RDA bulldozes section of Colombo Swimming Club

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has bulldozed a major part of the Colombo Swimming Club, including its historic pool this afternoon. 

Krishan Karunaratne, General Secretary of the Swimming Club, told the Sunday Times that RDA officials turned up at the premises at about 2.30pm today along with backhoes, armed policemen and a court order noting authorizing them to demolish part of the club. 

He said the RDA proceeded to demolish the structures, including the pool. "There were many foreign tourists in the pool and inside the club when it happened. Many guests were frightened and simply ran," he recounted. 

Mr Karunaratne charged RDA officials brushed aside appeals from club officials to give them sometime to explain the situation to their guests and avoid a complete panic. 

Club officials had earlier been informed that part of the club, which had been built in the 1930s, had been acquired by the RDA to make way for the expansion of Marine Drive up to Galle Face. 

However, Mr Karunaratne stated that they appealed to both the RDA and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC) and were under the impression their appeals were being considered. 

Mr. Karunaratne also said while RDA officials were quick to demolish part of the club, no action has so far been taken regarding the compound of the US Embassy, which also comes under the area that needs to be demolished to make way for the expansion of Marine Drive. 

RDA Chairman Nihal Sooriyarachchi however, said they had notified club officials as far back as a year ago that part of the club needed to go to make way for the road expansion. "They first told us they would clear the area themselves, but then tried in various ways to delay the action," Mr Sooriyarachchi claimed. 

He said authorities could not give "special treatment" to the club just because of its status and only acted as club officials did not follow through with their earlier pledge to demolish the structures that needed to go. 

By Damith Wickramasekara

 

The following statement appeared on the Facebook Page of the Colombo Swimming Club

It is with great sadness that I bring to your notice that the Road Development Authority (RDA), armed with a court order, has forcibly taken over possession of part of the Colombo Swimming Club land, including the pool area.

We were entirely surprised by this turn of events which unfolded early this afternoon, as we had been in communication with both the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Highways regarding divestiture of this land. In fact we have received two letters from the Ministry of Land dated 29th March 2017 and 6th June 2017, that our request was being considered, and that they were awaiting details re compensation offered etc before proceeding to evaluating our request. We have not received any communication from either the Ministry of Land or Ministry of Highways informing us that our request had been rejected.

No matter all our explanations and production of documents in our possession, the RDA insisted on executing the court order, without even giving us any time whatsoever to make alternate arrangements or appeal to higher authorities.

In the meantime it is now clear the RDA has gone to court and obtained a court order by suppressing facts. We were not given prior notice of the court action and therefore were never in a position to present full facts before the courts. We also observed from the court order produced by the RDA to us today, that the order was issued on 7th July 2017, but it is clear that they suppressed it from us until today and chose to come after 12 noon on a Friday, to prevent us having any ability to go to court to seek relief.

Needless to say we are both sad and angry at the way the RDA has handled this matter. We are considering all options and are in discussions with our lawyers regarding this matter.

Please bare with us until we are in a position to provide any further information.

Yours sincerely,

Tony de Livera
President
Colombo Swimming Club

Pix by Nilan Maligaspe

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