This was revealed after JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake questioned minister of Prisons - D.M. Swaminathan on this regard in parliament today (24).

Although prices were called on Sep. 15, 2015 to rent a new building to house the ministry, the two lowest prices tabled were overlooked.

The price was initially stated by the renting party as Rs. 03 million but on the urging of the ministry secretary to amend the rent, the Government Assessor has increased it to Rs. 4.2 million.

Cabinet approval granted

In response, minister Swaminathan said that the third price option was accepted as all government institutions related to the ministry needed to be brought to a single location.

However, MP Dissanayake stated that this deal was suspicious.