The acquisition of the esteemed private club, "80 CLUB," located in Colombo 07 Independence Avenue, by the Urban Development Authority has sparked a legal battle. Members of the club have filed a lawsuit against the authority, claiming that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been flagrantly violated.

The MOU stipulated that the Urban Development Authority would oversee the alcohol bar and dining room of the "80 CLUB" while restricting entry to club members only. However, the chairman of the Authority unilaterally disregarded the initial agreement and recently reopened the club, hosting a special dinner for approximately 200 of his close associates.

Allegations have emerged that the chairman used public funds belonging to the Urban Development Authority to finance this private gathering, generously providing expensive local and foreign liquors and food to the attendees. This has raised questions about whether the chairman enjoys special privileges to use public funds for personal purposes.

Simultaneously, members of the "80 CLUB" have strongly objected to a circular issued by the chairman of the Urban Development Authority. In an email message, Chief Executive Officer Rohan Fernandopulle notified club members about new fees imposed on dignitaries for food and services at the club.

The circular outlines that a limit of 100,000 rupees has been imposed on the responsible minister, with instructions to collect only 50 percent of the bill. Similarly, the chairman of the Urban Development Authority has a limit of 75,000 rupees per visit, with only 50 percent of the bill being charged. Board members of the authority have been informed that a limit of 50,000 rupees has been set for them, again with only 50 percent of the bill being charged.

Further controversy surrounds the expenditure of 411 million rupees by the Urban Development Authority for the renovation of the "80 CLUB" at Freedom Square Mawatha in Colombo. Chairman Nimesh Herath revealed this information during the reopening ceremony of the club. The Battaramulla Waters Age Institute, owned by the Urban Development Authority and falling under the purview of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing,