CCD to remove 1,500 more illegal structures on coastal belt

By Charumini de Silva

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) confirmed that it has identified over 1,500 unauthorised establishments in the coastal belt of the island, where action will be taken to demolish them phase by phaseover a period of time. 

“We have identified more than 1,500 illegal constructions in the shoreline of the country, which we are planning to demolish periodically,” CCD Director General PrabathChandrakeerthi told Daily FT.

According to him the CCD is planning to demolish a number of unauthorised establishments in Negombo, Dehiwala, Mt.Lavinia and Galle within the next month, during which World Environment Day (5 June) is also celebrated.

“We have identified 18 illegal establishments in Negombo another 12 in Dehiwala and Mt.Lavinia areas which we will demolish next month. Altogether with Galle around 50 unauthorised structures will be removed,” he added.

Chandrakeerthi however denied to disclose the dates of the demolition process, noting that it might lead to political intervention and pressure from the public in the areas as well.

Despite identifying unauthorised constructions and deciding to remove them on 1 May, in the wake of some Dutch tourists being assaulted in Mirissa area on 8 April, the CCD had to backtrack due to pressure from two powerful ministers.  

Nevertheless, after President Maithripala Sirisena who is also the subject Minister ordered demolition, 21 illegal structures were removed at Mirissa beach on 4 May.