Government to Reclaim Fraudulently Obtained Housing Under Gedhoruveriya Scheme

Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, has announced that the Government will take action to recover plots and flats acquired through fraudulent means under the previous administration’s Gedhoruveriya housing initiative. This includes properties already registered or under development.

At a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Dr. Muththalib outlined the verification process for the eligibility of over 4,000 individuals allocated flats under the scheme. Addressing allegations of malpractice, the Minister confirmed reports of fraudulent activities involving some Ministry employees, while clarifying that these actions were not directly linked to his Ministry.

The Minister detailed irregularities uncovered during the review, such as landowners falsely declaring they did not own property and individuals fabricating personal details, including birthplaces, to meet eligibility requirements.

Investigations are set to begin in Hulhumalé Phase 2, with the Ministry prioritizing the recovery of properties obtained through falsified claims. Dr. Muththalib emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in public housing programs and stated that the Government remains committed to addressing these issues transparently.

“These actions are critical to ensuring fairness and restoring public confidence in housing initiatives,” the Minister said, reiterating the administration’s dedication to holding individuals accountable for fraudulent practices.