9 May 2010 06:10 am
Legal action is to be filed against the Urban Development Authority (UDA) over the eviction of residents in Slave Island yesterday on the ground their houses were unauthorized structures. Meanwhile investigations are underway over the assault of two police officers by the residents.
A mob of Slave Island residents clashed with the police yesterday after authorities began removing unauthorized structures in the area. Many families were forced out of their homes with their belongings and the demolition of the structures took place despite the resident's claim to having documents that prove their structures were legal.
UNP MP Sujeewa Serasinghe stated that the demolition was illegal as the residents had documentation which was issued between 1986 and 1987 that proved the houses and apartments were authorised constructions and that legal action is to be taken against the Urban Devolopment Authority (UDA) over the eviction.
Speaking to Daily Mirror online, Serasinghe stated, "These people have their deeds and their names are on the voting list. The structures were legal and the authorities had no court order to remove them, what's more the residents were given only 3 days notice."
Serasinghe added that he was seeking an interim order to prevent future demolitions and compensation to the people affected.
Meanwhile speaking to Daily Mirror online Police Spokesman S.P Preshantha Jayakody said that investigations are underway over the assault of two police officers by residents of Slave Island who were evicted from their homes yesterday afternoon. Jayakody stated that action will be taken against the perpetrators. (Daily Mirror online)
The clearing of rubble took place this morning by the UDA. Pics by Padeep Dilrukshana