Residents of Bamba flats in two minds on re-development

12 September 2016 08:14 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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An event organized on Sunday by the Bambalapitiya flats’ Welfare Association to collect signatures from residents for a memorandum to be sent to the President against the Re-development of Bambalapitiya Flats ended inconclusively.

The residents, who refused to sign the document, asked the committee members of Welfare Association how future proceedings will be carried out by the Association to urge the government to stop the proposed re-development plan.

That was when heated arguments took place between the committee members and some of the residents among who had gathered at the Community Center Hall.

Even though the committee members including the Association’s president N. Ragunanthan attempted to explain the steps being taken by the Association to prevent project going ahead, about four residents continued to vehemently argue with the committee members.

The residents meanwhile, were unaware that the Cabinet at its meeting on March 2, 2016 had already given its approval to the Housing and Constructions Ministry to go ahead with the re-development project planned for the Bambalapitiya flats under a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement.

DM journo intimidated by some residents

Despite the media being invited to cover the meeting, it was unfortunate that a Daily Mirror female journalist had to undergo an unpleasant experience due to the action of some residents when she attempted to explain the Cabinet decision on the project.

She was intimidated by some of the residents who warned her not to write anything about the incidents that occurred at the meeting.

The journalist, who walked out of the meeting after realizing that it was not the best time to have a discussion with those few seemingly angry residents, but she was again intimidated by three of them, including a middle-aged woman who appeared to be leading the group of disgruntled residents.

She was even asked to erase the recorded copy on her recorder in their presence.

However, Mr. Ragunanthan who invited the media to cover their so-called meeting came to the scene and explained what had transpired to them and requested the journalist including Daily Mirror journalist to attend a separate discussion with the members of the Welfare Association on this contentious matter.

But the journalists left not being too keen to attend any other discussion.

The committee members of the Bambalapitiya Flats’ Welfare Association had later apologized to the Daily Mirror journalist. (Piyumi Fonseka)

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Comments - 12

rosebud Monday, 12 September 2016 09:47 PM

I think the residents must think positive and think outside the box. Urban Colombo has evolved - the GOSL proposal is not a bad one IMHO. via DM Android App

stunned Citizen Monday, 12 September 2016 10:07 PM

as a resident of these flats of K block I warmly welcome the initiative if the government to provide us with newer modern better equipped housing. unfortunately. some residents especially those who have encroached the garden common areas on the ground floor plus a few with the frog in the well attitude dont seem to see the inherent dangers of this flats crumbling because of it age and the natural elements. hope to god and pray the day someone if killed by a falling slab of concrete they will realize the importance of this offer. via DM iOS App

ragu Monday, 12 September 2016 10:23 PM

Someone may be getting a big share for convincing resident if government stop the project halfway like port city what is the compensation mechanism in place. via DM Android App

Earl Tuesday, 13 September 2016 12:38 AM

Whatever the problems are, I don't accept the levelling threats on journalist

Ince Tuesday, 13 September 2016 12:44 AM

Journalists surpression is unacceptable.

Dee Tuesday, 13 September 2016 06:34 AM

They should be allowed to remain in it till it collapses. But then no compensation should be paid using our tax money.

Sonali Tuesday, 13 September 2016 07:02 AM

I have a friend who lives in one of the flats and she is very happy that the govt has brought this proposal. She says most of the other dwellers are having the same feeling. The word going around is that those who are opposing have hidden agendas.

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 13 September 2016 07:05 AM

Jump out of the box but, not into the fire!!!

Rider Tuesday, 13 September 2016 08:54 AM

However its funny that some residents paint their own block with different colors. No central body responsible for maintenance??

Ajja Tuesday, 13 September 2016 08:59 AM

This is Prime land in the City and been wasted with low stories condominium flats during the 1960s. We must get the maximum use by this land have the best mixed development in town like in Singapore.

karu Tuesday, 13 September 2016 10:49 AM

Journalists can cover the news but not be a part of it. If the residents are not aware of the cabinet decision, it is not her problem.

Sandun Tuesday, 13 September 2016 10:51 AM

More projects means more competition. I am sure everybody will agree that the prices at present in Colombo city limits is beyond the means for 99% of the population.

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Residents of Bamba flats in two minds on re-development

Comments - 12

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