Fence across iconic Mirissa Coconut Tree Hill ordered to be removed

By Kalani Kumarasinghe

Following social media outrage over the construction of a fence across the iconic Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, several politicians and activists had intervened to initiate legal action to remove the fence from the popular tourist attraction.

 Weligama Urban Council Chairman Rehan Jayawickreme taking to his Facebook page said a special discussion was held at the Matara Divisional Secretariat to address the issue. The meeting had been convened by the Chairman of the Matara District Development Committee Nipuna Ranawake with divisional government officers including the Police as well as the proprietor of the land.   

 As the fence had been erected without prior approval from the Urban Development Authority and the Coast Conservation Department, the proprietor had been ordered to remove the illegally erected fence.   

 “It was finally decided to initiate legal action and remove the fencing which had been erected without prior approvals from the CCD and UDA. It was also decided for another meeting with the relevant land owner to be held early next week. A verbal agreement was made for the case to be settled amicably since no constructions would be permitted in contravention to CCD regulations the land owner is to be granted a temporary license to open up Mirissa coconut hills for public viewing as usual,” Jayawickrema said.