An audit presented at a Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) hearing has revealed that parking spaces allocated for Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) members have been illegally sold to private parties.
The audit findings, discussed under the chairmanship of MP Aravinda Senaratne, highlighted that land originally designated for council members’ vehicle parking had been transferred to external entities, raising serious concerns over mismanagement and unauthorized transactions within the CMC.
Further scrutiny of municipal parking revenue showed that contractors responsible for managing parking spaces owed Rs. 580 million in arrears to the CMC. In response, municipal authorities confirmed that these outstanding payments were being recovered, and defaulters would not be allowed to participate in future tenders.
COPA has directed officials to investigate those responsible for the illegal sale of parking spaces and explore legal measures to reclaim the lost municipal property. The committee emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in municipal land and revenue management. (Islandnews)
