The Ministry of Justice has leased out an 11-story building which does not have government approval as an abode suitable for dwelling. The Ministry has paid a monthly rental security deposit and advance of 7.7 million rupees. The National Audit Office revealed
The audit report shows that 4158 square feet on the ground floor of the adjacent building and 8,477 square feet on the first floor were not used and for the last year (2021) alone a rent of over Rs 2.1 was paid…
It also said that nearly Rs1.1 million had been spent on internal renovation and partitioning. This is 4158 square feet on the ground floor and 12530 square feet on the first floor.
The building was acquired from an external party on a lease basis to house the Ministry of Justice in new premises.
The audit revealed that this building was abandoned in the middle of construction about 15 years ago and was not used.
But it was agreed to pay 130 rupees per square foot of the building for the first year and five per cent every year thereafter.
Also, the audit report states that the relevant approved building plans and certificates of confirmation of these buildings have not been issued by the Colombo Municipal Council confirming that they are suitable for occupancy and use.
The audit report states that the approval of the National Building Research Organization was not obtained regarding the condition and suitability of the building for occupation.
This audit was conducted in connection with the Ministry of Justice for the year 2021.
