RDA bulldozes Colombo Swimming Club pool area

21 July 2017 07:40 pm - 25 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Colombo Swimming Club (CSC) Officials today said that they were taken by surprise when the Road Development Authority (RDA) officials entered their premises with a Court Order and started demolishing the buildings and walls behind the CSC swimming pool, to make way for the Colombo Extension of the Marine Drive without prior notice.

President of the CSC Tony De Livera told the Daily Mirror the RDA officials arrived at the scene with armed Police, shocking club members and started demolishing surrounding the pool area without getting any permission from the CSC authorities.

“Without noticing the trustees of the club, the RDA, along with the Police, came to the club and said that they were going to take over the premises of the club on a Court Order,” he said.

“I can’t understand the urgency to destroy a property that has been here since 1936,” he said.

“There were people in the pool, especially children and women. When the authorities suddenly showed up they rushed away as they got scared of the armed Police,” he said.

Mr. De Livera also said the baby pool and the play zone were completely destroyed leaving it open to stagnant water - an ideal place for dengue mosquitoes to breed.

“No notice was given, they have timed it perfectly. Crashing in on a Friday afternoon they knew we would be unable to go to Court to get an injunction,” he said.

Meanwhile, the members of the club questioned the motive behind the project to start from the CSC leaving out the premises of the American Embassy and other commercial sites.

However, RDA sources said that the Court Order to take over the land was issued on July 7 and it included most of the pool area as well.

Club members expressed concern over the way it was handled and said that they feared the CSC’s pride and the existence would be threatened by RDA’s move.

The CSC established in 1936 is now seventy five years old. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

Video by - Susantha

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Comments - 25

GMOA Friday, 21 July 2017 08:24 PM

Another incident for GMOA to strike ! or even to call a press conference

Top Cat Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:13 AM

Pride goes before a fall!

BUSHEL Saturday, 22 July 2017 06:53 PM

So it is a joke for u

Dee Friday, 21 July 2017 08:38 PM

Just like the good old days. At least it's for a public road. Not for 'high end development'

Kale Friday, 21 July 2017 09:23 PM

How does this road benefit anyone?Just more space for arrogant bus drivers to sound their horns.

Thanos Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:44 AM

Response to Kale- Normal private buses do not use the marine-drive.

Dee Saturday, 22 July 2017 09:52 AM

@Kale. What are the busses that go on marine drive? Have you given up on that dream city with walking paths which was started by Uda in 2012? Consider this a continuation of those 'good' deeds.

Bala Friday, 21 July 2017 08:41 PM

Oh where is courtesy and decency that was the cornerstone of Sri Lankas past. Law is one thing while there are other things that human beings should think about.

Lokka Friday, 21 July 2017 09:00 PM

Good for you for bringing Yahapalanaya to power.

channa Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:54 AM

You think the order was given by the Prime Minister ??

Ruwan Friday, 21 July 2017 09:01 PM

Any presence of a white van via DM Android App

Kale Friday, 21 July 2017 09:22 PM

No doubt there will be those who will say, look at the rich people complaining.If you think that, consider if the rich are considered to be treated so badly, how much worse anyone else would be treated by this so called Yahapalanaya government.

Truth Friday, 21 July 2017 09:59 PM

These road reservations are there in the property plan or deed from around 1915. Same for duplication road. Property owners along these proposed road reservations are well aware that the RDA has the right to take these lands anytime with a short notice.

Hiran Friday, 21 July 2017 10:20 PM

This demolition should have been handled professionally by the RDA. Unfortunately we don't have many professionals in the government offices these days let alone in the country.

bandu Friday, 21 July 2017 10:39 PM

No one should cry over this incident as there are so many other pressing and critical issues faced by the nation.

Arul Saturday, 22 July 2017 12:42 AM

it is an encroached land, reserved for road. All others complied and demolished the buildings, which were standing on the road reservation. This is a wrong way of presenting a news item!

lion Saturday, 22 July 2017 05:43 AM

It is sad to see this spectacle, but if it has to be done for the larger public interest we have to be satisfied with that.

JJ Saturday, 22 July 2017 06:52 AM

A true wonder of Asia!

Thanos Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:51 AM

We don't know the whole story. RDA may have given 1-years notice to CSC. Lets see the RDA attitude towards the US embassy land.

RDA Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:46 PM

Did you said 1 year? My dear friend, notice was given 5 years ago,past committee also aware of this marine drive project.

Thassim Saturday, 22 July 2017 07:07 PM

Cover up will start now. This was done so the US Embassy coming up next door has another road exit. Ravi K and RW put pressure because they are all US lackeys

JIM Saturday, 22 July 2017 07:42 PM

I am a member of the CSC and while regretting the demolition pacify myself knowing its for the greater good. Irrespective of who rules TC development must continue, US consulate and STC at Mount Lavinia must follow the good precedent set. Only time will tell.

Ajja Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:20 PM

During previous regime Mount Lavinia stretch was forgotten as Namal was an old boy of STC...

Rodney Saturday, 22 July 2017 08:46 PM

This is for road development to extend the marine drive to Galle Face .. There is an absolute urgency for this road to be built considering the traffic problem in Colombo contrary to what the CSC President says

Tissa Sunday, 23 July 2017 05:43 AM

Congrats RDA. Remove all bastions of British Colonialism now used by Brown Sahibs. Planning perfect credit goes to the Site Project Engineer for not permitting the Judiciary system been abused by delaying public Projects.

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RDA bulldozes Colombo Swimming Club pool area

Comments - 25

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