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Disputed by-road development divides neighbours, PS stakes claim
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The road not concreted
A dispute over a by-road in the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha area has led to a rivalry among residents, with one section of residents with the help of a Pradeshiya Sabha member trying to lay concrete and widen the road while illegally claiming land from other residents.
This is amidst claims that the Egodawatta Road belongs to the Pradeshiya Sabha, which the Department of Local Government (Western Province) denies.
The Department of Local Government (WP) pointed out that if the Provincial Council needs to develop the road they should first acquire the land for it. If they are unable to purchase the property according to State valuation rates, they could acquire land according to the Land Reclamation Act.
A resident of Tunmodara Kelimadala Road, Thilani Prasadika Gunatilake, claimed that the unnamed by-road privately created by another resident, and identified as Borokgahawatta Road, does not belong to the Pradeshiya Sabha. She claimed that a resident is using the political influence of a powerful minister and the aid of the Pradeshiya Sabha to illegally widen the road by claiming their land.
However, the Pradeshiya Sabha has told them that the road belongs to it as it is a by-road connected to Egodawatta Road which was gazette in 2014.
Another resident, Hewawasantha-Singappulige Susika Ruwanmali said that trees on their property would be lost if the road widened. “This is done by an influential resident who has the support of the Pradeshiya Sabha member; we have not seen any development plan or any legality in this development work,” She said.
Meanwhile, a resident supportive of the widening of the road, and who declined to give her name, claimed that when the road is improved over 11 families would benefit. She said that the people who are refusing the development of the road also use the road.
A senior official of the Hanwella Police said that there were complaints lodged by both parties but none of the residents are ready to file civil cases. He elaborated that the Police cannot hinder the development work of the Pradeshiya Sabha but can take action if anyone breached law and order.
Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha member, Upul Prasanna, insisted the road belongs to the Pradeshiya Sabha and pointed out that otherwise Pradeshiya Sabha funds would not have been passed and issued for the development of the road.
“I was appointed by the people, that is why I am trying to improve the road,” He said.
The Secretary to the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, K A Chandana Padmasiri told the Sunday Times that the Borokgahawatta road belongs to their preview, and they had completed concreting and widening of the road excluding the areas where residents protested.
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