Person claiming ownership of Srithar Theatre must establish claim for EPDP to vacate - Minister Douglas Devananda

Minister for Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Douglas Devananda told Asian Tribune that he is prepared to consider vacating the Sridhar Cinema building, Jaffna, if anyone come forward and establish the ownership of the property, which is presently occupied by the EPDP.

He said that to date no one has come forward to contact him claiming as the owner of the building except some press statements.

The Minister said that press statements are not suffice enough to consider anything about the legality of the building.

He said if somebody thinks that he is the rightful owner of the building located at45, Stanley Road, Jaffna, then that person has to meet his officials in Jaffna and provide documents to prove that the said person as the rightful owner.

Minister Douglas Devananda told that in the beginning the former Sridhar Cinema located at 45, Stanley Road, Jaffna was occupied by the EPRLF and LTTE. He said EPRLF was in the upstairs and the downstairs was occupied by the LTTE.

After 1990, the whole theatre building came to be occupied by the LTTE until 1996 – they were chased out of the Jaffna district.

EPDP Secretary General said after 1996 they saw the abandoned building in dilapidated condition. Subsequently EPDP spent money renovating the building and converted it as their party office.

Minister Douglas Devananda told after they occupied the Srithar Theatre some partner of the property contacted the EPDP and they started paying a nominal sum as rent for the building.

The payment of rent to one who claimed as one of the partner of the building was paid for sometime and subsequently that person who received rent disappeared and not heard anything about him.

The Minister Douglas Devananda said in case anyone claims as the legitimate owner of the building, can come to Jaffna and negotiate about the building. He said in case the legitimacy of the ownership is confirmed in the negotiation, then they are prepared to vacate the building within a period of one year.

He said that at least one year grace period is needed for the party to find a new building and vacate.

- Asian Tribune -