Minister of Primary Industries Daya Gamage today hit out at Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka, saying that Ranawaka was following the same policies adapted by former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

He made this observation today after filing a petition with the Court of Appeal on behalf of some residents whose lands were taken over by the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry.

This government's policy is not appropriating the lands of innocent people and building mega cities, Gamage said. The Megapolis concept was introduced so that Sri Lanka could adapt the policies followed by developed countries like Malaysia and Singapore, and not to put innocent people in difficulties, he added.

He urged the ministry to keep only the lands essential for the Verasganga Project in Boralesgamuwa and hand over the remaining lands to the owners.

Gamage claimed that certain ministers of the government were trying to follow the policies of the former government.

Those who have sneaked into the UNP are trying to ruin it, Gamage, who is also the party National Organizer said.

The Appeals Court prohibited all activities regarding the lands concerned and set the hearing of the petition for February 5.