• Rs. 3.5 b palace constructed by military between 2010 and 2015

The ‘Presidential Palace’ in Jaffna, constructed during the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was built before the Government had fully secured ownership of the land, a recent investigation by the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing has revealed.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Eng. L.B. Kumudu Lal confirmed that the property comprising five residences had been developed while the legal acquisition process for the land was still underway.

“The ‘Presidential Palace’ – or rather, the five houses – was built before the legal process had been completed. We are currently continuing the rest of the work required to complete the process,” Lal said.

According to the UDA Chairman, ownership disputes surrounding the land are expected to be fully resolved by the end of 2025. 

Once cleared, the property will be opened to potential investors, with plans to repurpose it for a project of greater value to the people of the region.

The Jaffna ‘Presidential Palace,’ located in Kankesanthurai, spans approximately 30 acres, with structures erected on around 15 acres of the land. Constructed by the Sri Lankan military between 2010 and 2015, the project reportedly cost the State around Rs. 3.5 billion.

The ministry’s investigation underscored that the ‘palace’ had been built while legal proceedings for land acquisition were still ongoing – a process that has taken nearly a decade to resolve. 

However, officials remain optimistic that the legal formalities will conclude within the next year, allowing the site to be redeveloped in alignment with broader public interests.