SLTDA chairperson in hot water over alleged nepotism charges

LRL has firmly in place a 99 year leasehold right to a 7 acre property in the Palatupana development area in Yala. The project development work was delayed due to a prior court order and the terror attacks that took place in April 2019.

LRL was and is in place with all resources required to develop the site on a tight timeline, it was reported.  

However, it is widely known that the SLTDA Chairperson, Kimarli Fernando has tried stalling the development process. It is also reported that government funds may have been used by filing a declaration of cancellation on the aforesaid lease.

Furthermore, it is reported that Kimarli Fernando is protecting her husband’s (Malik Fernando and family – Dilmah Tea) business operation, Wild Coast Tented Lodge (owned by Wild Coast Lodge (Pvt) Ltd) which coincidentally is on the immediate neighboring site, right next to LRL’s property.

Malik Fernando (Kimarli Fernando’s husband) is a director and shareholder of Wild Coast Lodge (Pvt) Ltd which in turn owns the Wild Coast Tented Lodge. There is a clear and apparent conflict of interest between the Chairperson of the SLTDA Ms. Kimarli Fernando, and this development project by LRL, due to the above.

When development is required in Sri Lanka at a time when our borders remain closed, it is sad to note the behaviour that state officials are engaging in by proactively seeking to stall development projects merely to protect their family business interests.