Kalyani Herath Menike and Nissanka Diddeniya, two signatories to the petition have asked that the land be now given back to cultural arts for what it was once used.

The letter points out that it was given to them by former President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1984 as a housing complex and an Arts and Cultural Centre that covered an area of 80 perches.

The grievance of residents at Kalapura has also been brought to the notice of President Maithripala Sirisena.