Govt.to prohibit erecting of unauthorised structures in City

25 June 2015 03:48 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena has prohibited the erecting of unauthorised structures on the streets of Colombo and Mayor A.J. Muzammil had also agreed to withdraw the unauthorised pavement boutiques erected recently on three streets in Colombo, Skills Development and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Thilanga Sumathipala said.

He told the media at the SLFP weekly news briefing that Mr. Muzammil had permitted the erection of unauthorised structures on those streets, perhaps because of the influence of some UNP ministers. “I spoke to him on the matter and told him it was a dangerous and unlawful to erect unauthorised structures on the pavements of three main roads in the city after former Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa cleared the city streets of unauthorised structures in a bid to beautify Colombo, an action which led to Colombo being named the fastest developing city in the world,” Mr. Sumathipala said.

He added that in Mr. Rajapaksa’s city beautification drive, 3,178 pavement hawkers, who had erected unauthorised structures, were evicted but were given an alternative location to ply their trade. “However, 451 pavement traders are still to receive such redress. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has permitted pavement hawkers to use the areas in front of the Fort and Maradana stations, while in Borella shop owners have complained that their eviction had effected their livelihoods. Their argument is that they were paying for water and electricity at the places from where they were evicted. They had been permitted to use the pavement to erect stalls during the Sinhala – Hindu New Year, Vesak, Christmas and Ramazan festivals etc.,” he said.

Mr. Sumathipala said after a discussion with President Sirisena, attended by the IGP, the UDA Chairman, the Colombo Mayor and himself, the President had ordered them not to allow the erection of any unauthorised structures in the City of Colombo, taking into account the city’s cleanliness.

The UDA, the CMC and the IGP would prepare a report on how pavement hawkers who have not received alternative places to ply their trade would be accommodated and submit it to the President Sirisena, Mr. Sumathipala said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 10

KapilA Perere Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:31 AM

Ha Ha Thilnga skill development ministerHe can develop followng skills to citizens of Sri Lanka- gambling - corruption - money laundering - cheating - tax evasion - how to sell Buddhism and make money- how to sell artist and make money- back stabbing Disgrace for Yahpalanaya

C.K.lankaputhra Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:33 AM

Including mega bill boards of corrupt politicians requesting vote while showing a sarcastic smile at people.

Wesley Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:36 AM

This is very important decision by President and President should issue strict order preventing blocking pavement in the future, regardless whatever seasons whether its Sinhala Hindu New year, Christmas or Wesak no one should allow to block the pavement. Cleanliness must improve day by day. During various occations lots of people attract Colombo and other Cities to purchase their needs. During such occassions more people may enter in to the city. If pavement merchants invade the pavement during festival season city will be overflowed by the shoppers and they must be able to walk freely. Also President should take action for those private bus drivers who block the bud halts keeping their buses unnecessrily waiting wasting valuable time of every citizens. Country should go forward.

modaya Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:38 AM

Sir, city of Colombo is an asset for the people of Sri Lanka now and future. Do not spoilt this aspect by the short sighted policies of the MAYOR. Our national asset at Wilpathu was destroyed by this peopleand do not allow this to happen in CBO.

Prem Nath Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:58 AM

Thank God that there are some right thinking people in this situation.Muzamil must have been thinking from his hat.

Asfar Thursday, 25 June 2015 10:59 AM

No pavement hawkers again please.

Amila. G Thursday, 25 June 2015 11:42 AM

BINGO . CHECKMATE. FANTASTIC.

dilip Thursday, 25 June 2015 03:38 PM

If there is a law, preventing the building of unauthorised structures in City ,the police should be able to intervene immediately. If the law is already there ,the mayor should be taken in by the police for questioning and punished.

Lawry Friday, 26 June 2015 08:28 AM

It was great fun buying from the pavement hawkers. Shops sold the same sudstsndard stuff for much higher prihigher prices. Advertise where the hawkers will be re located.Then both Cricket sumathi and cricket musamil can breath easy.

S.P.RAMKUMAR Friday, 26 June 2015 08:46 AM

YES THIS GOOD DECISION. BUT GOVERNMENT HAVE TO ALTERNATIVE WORK TRAINING TO THIS PAVEMENT SHOP OWNERS. BECAUSE THEY ARE IN VERY HARDSHIP TO FIND JOBS. IF GOVERNMENT FAILS TO DO THIS PEOPLE ARE USED BY DRUG TRAFFICKERS. CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE TO GIVE THEM VARIOUS JOB TRAINING ACCORDING TO THEIR SKILLS

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Govt.to prohibit erecting of unauthorised structures in City

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