News
Unauthorised beach constructions torn down
Subsequent to a study by the Coast Conservation Authority (CAA), which showed large-scale encroachment of beaches, the government commenced a programme of demolishing unauthorized constructions around the country’s coast-line.
The measures together with a beach clean-up programme are part of a programme to safeguard the country’s beaches.
A decision to act was taken after the study showed the extent to which illegal constructions had mushroomed and occupied large sections of the coastal area. A majority of the constructions had come up within the Tsunami Buffer Zone.
Additionally, there were concerns regarding the legality of the constructions themselves
The ‘beach clean-up programmes’ also revealed the owners of these unauthorized constructions were responsible for littering the beaches with non biodegradable materials such as plastic bottles, polythene bags, straws and cups as well as polythene lunch sheets.
A workman taking down an unauthorized construction at Dehiwela
Despite large sign boards warning against constructing unauthorised structures, some entrepreneurs have decided to take the law into their own hands
Many large permanent buildings like this one at Mt Lavinia were among the unauthorized structures which were demolished
A large number of illegally constructed structures were taken down under the beach clean-up programme
At Galle, the presence of police personnel ensured none obstructed authorised personnel from carrying out their tasks