The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing says that several gove ment-owned buildings in Colombo, including Visum Paya, are planned to be immediately transferred to the private sector under tax.

Its secretary, Mr. W.S. Satyananda, says that there are plans to lease the Gafoor building, the tea museum and two three-acre plots of land on DR Wijewardana Mawatha.

He also mentioned that an agreement has been reached with the investors in this regard.

Apart from this, there is another gove ment-owned building in Nuwara Eliya among the leased buildings.

It is reported that these buildings and lands are planned to be developed and used effectively as tourist attractions.

The secretary says that the buildings will be provided for private sector services without harming the archaeological values.

(colombotimes.lk)