This company has got registered as a construction firm on 27 October 2010, but the tender had been given to it even before its registration, said cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne.

It has got registered at the Institute of Architects only after it was chosen to provide consultancy services.

The cost of construction for the entire project is Rs. 65 billion, and Rs. 606 million to be paid to the company as consultancy fees.

Eighty three per cent of that sum, Rs. 509 m, had been paid by 31 May this year, but only 30.02 pc of the project has been finished by that time.

Authorities had not entered into a proper agreement to obtain services from this company either, he said.

Legal action will be taken on the basis of the report to be given by the committee.