Illegal fence across iconic Mirissa Coconut Tree Hill ordered to be removed

Following social media outrage over an attempt to build a fence across the iconic Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, several politicians and activists have intervened to initiate legal action and 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 convened by Chairman of Matara District Development Committee Nipuna Ranawake held the meeting with divisional government officers including the Police as well as the owner of the land.

As the fence had been erected without prior approval from the Urban Development Authority and the Coast Conservation Department, the owner had been ordered to remove the illegal erection of the fence.

“It was finally decided to initiate legal action and remove the illegal fencing which has been erected without prior approvals from the CCD and UDA. It was also decided that a meeting with the relevant land owner will be held early next week and a verbal agreement was made that the case will be settled amicably and since no construction can be made due to CCD regulations that the land owner will be granted a temporary license to open up Mirissa coconut hills for public viewing as per usual,” Jayawickrema said.  (Kalani Kumarasinghe)