Unauthorized structures beware

6 May 2010 07:47 am - 58 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Indika Sri Aravinda

The government today warned that it will continue demolishing unauthorized structures in Colombo as well as other key cities in order to develop the country after it suffered the brunt of a civil war.

Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse speaking to reporters in Killinochchi this morning said that unauthorized structures have already been removed in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and other major cities in the island.

He added that there was corruption and lethargy among staff of the UDA, an institution which he had recently taken over after completing his duties during the military operations.

The Defence Secretary also said that while most emergency regulations were being relaxed, certain security measures will continue to be implemented under a new plan.

Rajapakse was speaking to reporters after opening a new monument in Killnochchi dedicated to the troops killed during the conflict. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 58

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:11 AM

we love you Gota.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:10 AM

Great move. Not even a minister will have the courage to do this. Once this task is finished Defece secretary should focus on other vices such as drugs etc

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:14 AM

Definitely, you are a Sri Lankan.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:17 AM

way to go,, good job

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:19 AM

Gota, when you do or tell bad things I criticise you. Now I say weldone gota. Ummmmmmmmha!!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:23 AM

does this mean illegal lands as well like ex Australian embassy ...

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:26 AM

Good job, Sir, keep up the good work.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:31 AM

I am sure he has the guts and the courage to take on this and clear coruption. This is what the nation wants. As he did finish the terrorist issue I am sure he will deal with this. It is some politicians who encourage this to get votes. They must be punished first. They make it embrassing for others by their shortsigted actions

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:36 AM

Some body or bodies might also do something about the dangerous driving engaged in by most bus drivers.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:54 AM

Archie. Gyan is correct. You get Dh500 fine if you spit on the road. Do some research archie!!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:58 AM

Well done Sir............. This is good quality of a real leader.......... Go ahead ......... we stand for you...............

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:02 AM

We have been grappling with this menace for ages. We deeply appreciate your deciision to demolish unauthorised structures. It is a need of the hour. All law abiding citizens will support you sir. Please act immediately.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:03 AM

These things would have not be done at all if a strict person like you would have not been appointed. All peace loving people admire you for sure.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:04 AM

Its good if its done with good intention and not taking political revange. Also due consderation should be given for alternatives specialy for the pavement hawkers for their livelyhood

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:09 AM

Very good move sir. Way to go. We know if Gota takes something, he will finish it sucessfully. Please think of Borella also.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:10 AM

Please take some action on Dematagoda pavement vendors too.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:11 AM

now all buildings, houses and lands belonging to the opposition party members will be demarcated as unauthorized structure.....

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:11 AM

well done sir keep up the good work & look in to their daily needs problems too because they have a family too & kick out the beggars to keep our city clean thank you

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:12 AM

Well done Sir..

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:12 AM

MK have you ever been to Dubai or to that matter to any country ??? In a Muslim country like Dubai i've seen many people splitting specialy during their religious time of Ramadan, so MK before telling others you better do some research or at least get your self educated about these general matters. FYI even for wrong parking the tarfic fine is Dhs 200/-

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:18 AM

Finally, something in the right direction.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:19 AM

Please start this gig firstly by removing illegally constructed vehicle drop off portico structure at the back side of the Temple Trees which is constructed on barricaded asphalted public road that leads to the Beira lake side.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:22 AM

Gota is not a politician and I think he doesn't want to be one, otherwise he would have contested the elections and easily won. More over I want to know from the best bureaucrat we have got in recent times why the lottery selling cubicles around on the roadsides and one of the biggest right in front of the peepal tree at the Bodhiraja Mawatha, (Fifth Cross St.,) Pettah?

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:24 AM

The cart hawkers are booming and I don't see them moving on, they are stationary selling all sort of merchandise esp. perishables!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:33 AM

Encroaching the space with eyesore bill boards also a problem and should be removed forcibly if they are not paying any revenue to the local councils. Regarding the remaking of pavements by the shop keepers is to extend it when they need, once the payment hawkers leave the places, for them to occupy. There are discrepancies galore the previous administrations' license won't be accepted by the new ones and really they lack power to fight with the powerful thugs There should be a special round the clock task force to

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:39 AM

Our infrastructure cannot cope with these unauthorised mushrooming. Voltage drops, flooding and overflowing drains, garbage, buidings encroaching crown/public property i.e. road, rail, pavement and similar land reservations, obstruction of natural light and view by adding upper levels to buildings leading, overcrowding etc .etc.
Along with this move, there should be a move to rout out bribery and corruption which encourage these activities.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:41 AM

The was is over, need to make some money via any possibilities arise. Good one.......

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:47 AM

Gyan! In Sri Lanka people who have committed crimes are roaming around with out any charges, but you want to impose fine on people who spit on the road. dont you think this is funny?

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:50 AM

Sigapore is a very strict country. you are not allowed to use chewing gum, spit,or throw paper scraps on the road.you will be heavyly fined.so we have start somewhere. Too many people loitering in Sri Lanka thats why we never prosper.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:27 AM

Lol.. Gyan that's a lie you don't get fined for spittin on the road in Dubai... But I do agree with the other point, if the man is doing something good to clean up the country it should be appreciated without always critisizing...

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:05 AM

This is a good move by the government.Pavements belong to pedestrians. Not for vendors.Keep up the good work.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:08 AM

Gotabaya is capable of doing what he says, though not a politician and focussed. Beware not to supersede him!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:08 AM

Niyamie

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:09 AM

This is an excellent move. Ensure that this rule applies to everybody irrespective of political colour. Who authorised to construct these is another matter.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:10 AM

Good decision making Gota. You have to make tough decisions if we want to develop this country. There is a saying that "No matter a village crys if the country laughs

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:12 AM

Usual formalities not enough to eliminate corruption and lethargy.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:16 AM

These are the right things to do for the greater good of the country. All right thinking citizens wil support these moves. Gotabhaya deserves our thanks for the great leadership he provides.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:18 AM

good move, Sir. Apart from pavement hawkers, there are lot of illegal structures put up by shop keepers in pettah and other areas. In some places pavement has been transformed into steps for entry to shops, as such, there are no pavements on the streets in pettah to walk safely.Pavements have to be constructed for safety of pedestrians.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:19 AM

WHY WAIT UNTILL THEY BUILT IT?.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:19 AM

This is great! you can't develop the country with all these illegal dwellings. I'm sure everybody would support him in this.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:19 AM

I am in Dubai and spitting every day on the road without fine!!!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:22 AM

This is a very good thought. You cannot develop a country, and also allow illegal dwellings. Colombo and other key districts should be developed.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:24 AM

Well Done.If you were able to walk just during April on Stanley Thilakarathna mawatha Nugegaoda you would know how good is this.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:24 AM

You have worked under Late.Gen.Ranjan Wijeratne and know exactly
To manage these situations. The war too was handled identical to the way Late General did, and rest too should be followed in the same manner.
Please continue with good work and put this country in some shape as we are already far too late due to various issues over the years.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 07:56 AM

Well done Sir,.. this type of leadership in our country is required, I am requesting Sri Lankans, please foget about that he is brother of president but appreciate good work he does and support for their work to make sri lanka nice & clean city. That help to attract more tourist. When i was in Dubai you will be fined even if you split on road.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:29 AM

This is an excellent move because all kinds of underworld activities take place in such places but one can see some of those evicted are back again. Strict instruction should be given to the authorities to enforce the law. The most important thing here is those evicted must be screened for proper identity and an area allocated just like the world market at Fort as there are genuine people who make a living.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:32 AM

Your are the man in Sri Lanka and will run to history.
We know your talents and capablities. You have proved to the wolrd clearly. We are proud to have person like you. SIR

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:36 AM

'Operation Sidewalk' will only succeeed if their are laws prohibiting 'hawking on pavements'. Otherwise, after Gotabaya leaves the UDA, the hawkers will occupy the pavements once again. This has happened several times in the past.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:37 AM

I totally agree with Dheen.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:38 AM

oh good..this really IS the biggest problem we have up to date; not the rising govt deficit of 572 billion rupees. cut us some slack.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:44 AM

Bring to Sri Lanka, the rules applicable in Singapore/ Malaysia and enforce the laws on Sri Lankans.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:45 AM

Well done Gota. Please don't forget Hill Street, Dehiwela (beyond the Police Station) which is fast becoming a pavement hawkers paradise and a pedestrians nightmare.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:46 AM

Well Done; Keep it Up

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:47 AM

Great leader, we salute you Sir .Your next job should be take all illegal weapons from the underworld and politicians , that day this place is another Singapore . May the Noble Triple Gem bless you Gota?

Thursday, 06 May 2010 08:57 AM

Most importantly you should begin the charity at home first by not misusing or abusing the power as lot of these is orchestrated from your back yard.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:01 AM

This is eye wash, the pavement hawkers will be back after some time.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:05 AM

Well done sir, but there are politicains who break the law.
I live down a highly residental area in Dehiwala- Two months ago - a motor garage was put up. following a petition a Police inquiry was held- nothing happened- I 'm told the gragare man jhas a politican backing.

What do we do about it ???

Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:09 AM

Keep it up sir. Please dismantle unauthorized structures near government apartment blocks and in government lands which are built illegally with the backing of politicians.There are lot of unauthorized additions made in and out of government apartment blocks around colombo and suburbs causing many difficulties to legal tenants and visitors.

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Unauthorized structures beware

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