Authorities helpless PADUKKA ROCKED BY NARCOTICS TRADE AND ACTS OF EXTORTION

The once beautiful and peaceful town of Padukka is now associated with notoriety thanks to the trade of narcotics trade and acts of extortion Pix by Nisal Baduge

Unauthorided shops

A shop built across the bus stop is built in such a manner it aids congestion

These shops are blocking the road

A mobile fish lorry adds to the chaos in the city

• Powerful business men in the area are allegedly engaging in selling drugs through these businesses
• Reports also indicate that extortion from shop owners has become widespread in Padukka area
• Business community of Padukka has informed the Chairman of the Divisional Coordination Committee about this situation

By Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka and Sudharika Gurusinghe

Padukka is a major town bordering the districts of Colombo and Kalutara. Located approximately 35 kilometres from Colombo, Padukka has also become an important geographical factor in the industrial trade in Sri Lanka. Around 25,000 to 30,000 people live in this area. As a result, Padukka has become densely populated. Its location among the towns of Ingiriya, Horana, Avissawella and Homagama as well as its proximity to the Meegoda Economic Centre, has contributed to its increasing commercial activity.

This area falls under both the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha and the Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha. The urban limits of Padukka are governed by the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha. Within the town are the Divisional Secretariat Office, Police Station, Divisional Hospital, Medical Officer of Health Office and the Railway Station. Padukka can be identified as another beautiful town situated not far from Colombo, along the Colombo–Ingiriya main road (Route 125). Since 2018, the population of this area has increased rapidly, and it has now become a semi-urban town. Employment opportunities have emerged in the surrounding areas extending towards Colombo from Padukka town, such as Wataraka, Meegoda and Dampe. Factories belonging to several reputed companies in Sri Lanka are located in the vicinity of the town. Since ancient times, Padukka has been an important town. Historical evidence suggests that during the period of the Seethawaka Kingdom, Padukka served as a major centre for trade and transactions. There is also evidence that Padukka functioned as a town with a fort during the Portuguese invasion period.

According to folklore, the name ‘Padukka’ originated from an expression attributed to King Sitawaka Rajasinghe, who is said to have exclaimed, “Ane mage pā wala duka” (“Oh, the pain in my feet”) due to pain in his foot, which later evolved into the name ‘Pa Duka’ and eventually ‘Padukka.’ Historically significant, this area was also used as a military camp during the 16th century under the Seethawaka Kingdom. Furthermore, another popular belief suggests that the town served as a place of comfort and rest for the Portuguese army. Today, while preserving its green surroundings and historical significance, Padukka has embraced urbanization. When examining the history of Padukka, it offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. The area is an ideal location for residents and visitors seeking a peaceful

lifestyle with convenient access to urban facilities. Padukka is also geographically significant. As the town is surrounded by a mountain range, its unique geographical features have led to the establishment of the Sri Lanka Satellite Earth Station in Padukka. The town offers a combination of urban convenience and rural tranquility, making it an ideal place for those seeking peace without isolation.

Using political influence

However, the current situation faced by this unique town is considered highly unfortunate. According to the business community in the area, regardless of the political power in place, politically affiliated groups have taken control of Padukka town to serve their own interests. As a result, members of the business community claim that illegal drug trafficking, including heroin and crystal meth (“ice”), is now widespread throughout the town.

It is further alleged that individuals engaged in these illegal activities, using their political influence, allow their associates to carry out

unauthorised constructions

across the town. Some of these constructions are reportedly carried out through intimidation, making it difficult to remove them. Reports also indicate that extortion from shop owners has become widespread. Those who fail to pay such extortion are allegedly denied the opportunity to conduct business on pavements. Consequently, the business community points out that many individuals who previously relied on roadside vending in the centre of Padukka town have faced severe injustice. Furthermore, Padukka consists of four main roads. Due to these unauthorised constructions, all four major roads have become obstructed. The town becomes extremely busy during school opening hours in the morning and again in the evening. During these times, buses travelling along the main road, lorries heading to the Meegoda Economic Centre and private vehicles contribute to severe traffic congestion. The situation worsens when trains on the Kelani Valley railway line arrive during peak hours. At such times, not only vehicles, but even pedestrians face difficulties moving through the town. This situation has arisen because unauthorised constructions have obstructed pavements and roadside spaces dedicated for public movement. Some unauthorised structures have even blocked bus stops. A clear example of this can be seen at the beginning of the Padukka–Ingiriya Road. As a result, buses travelling on the route are forced to pick up and drop off passengers on the main road itself, causing significant traffic congestion due to vehicles approaching from behind. The general public faces severe inconvenience during the morning, afternoon and evening peak hours. Schoolchildren are unable to reach school on time, employees face delays in getting to work and the increased fuel consumption of vehicles places an additional economic burden on the country. The business community in Padukka further points out that these circumstances have caused major difficulties for business owners who lawfully operate their businesses and pay taxes regularly. According to the business community of Padukka, taxpayers engaged in legitimate business activities face a dilemma due to these issues.

They have reportedly informed the Chairman of the Divisional Coordination Committee in writing. In their letter, they state that these incidents directly affect their businesses. These concerns were highlighted in the letter submitted to the Divisional Coordination Committee Chairman. Excerpts of the letter: “Although we properly pay trade licence fees, monthly rent, assessment taxes, electricity bills, water bills, and employee salaries through our businesses, those individuals make none of these payments. Instead, they forcibly occupy land and conduct illegal business activities while violently spreading their influence throughout the area. Moreover, they are allegedly engaging in selling drugs through these businesses. They conduct their business activities under the influence of drugs as well. As a result, the public has developed considerable dissatisfaction towards these business activities.” The letter further underscores concerns regarding environmental pollution in the area. According to the business community, waste generated from businesses operating within unauthorised constructions is not disposed of properly and is instead discarded onto the roads. As a result, foul odours and the spread of flies have reportedly increased. They further claim that waste from the sale of meat and fish conducted within these unauthorised structures is dumped onto roadside drainage canals. In addition, wastewater from these establishments is allegedly allowed to flow onto the roadsides. Consequently, the business community points out that unpleasant odours and an increase in fly infestation have become major concerns in Padukka. The Padukka business community has reportedly informed the Divisional Secretary of Padukka as well as the Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha on several occasions regarding these matters. They have also notified the Officer in Charge of the Padukka Police Station, the Seethawaka Divisional Office of the Road Development Authority, and the Deputy Director General of the Road Development Authority through a letter dated 17.11.2025. Furthermore, the Public Health Inspector representing the Padukka area has also been informed of all these concerns. However, according to the business community, the authorities have still failed to provide a solution to the issue. Unauthorised constructions The business community has also identified several locations where unauthorised constructions have obstructed the town of Padukka and informed the Deputy Director General of the Road Development Authority about them. One such location is the large scale vegetable, fish, fruit, and grocery market operating near the Liyanwala Bridge on the Padukka– Colombo main road. They claim that vehicles parked on both sides of the road due to these businesses cause a severe traffic congestion. The letter also points out that various forms of trading are conducted nearby using lorries and three wheelers. Similarly, it is alleged that unauthorised meat and fish stalls, and various vendors operating from lorries along both sides of the Padukka–Hanwella road obstruct traffic. Furthermore, unauthorised restaurants have reportedly been constructed along both sides of the Padukka–Ingiriya Road. A vegetable stall has also allegedly been built blocking the main bus halt in the area. Nearby fish and fruit trading activities are also said to be conducted within unauthorised constructions. According to the business community’s letter, food stalls, fish stalls, and vegetable vendors along both sides of the Padukka–Horana road are similarly obstructing traffic flow. Therefore, the attention of the relevant authorities should be directed towards these matters. They stated during an inquiry that Padukka town should not be allowed to be destroyed by extortionists and individuals involved in drug selling under political patronage. The business community further points out that although they have informed responsible government authorities regarding these issues for many years, a proper solution is yet to be provided.

“PADUKKA BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS NEVER DISCUSSED SUCH AN ISSUE WITH ME”- OFFICER IN CHARGE PADUKKA POLICE STATION

When this newspaper inquired about this matter from the Officer in Charge of the Padukka Police Station, Chief Inspector S.M.A. Bandara, he stated the following: “There are unauthorised constructions, and they are causing obstructions. The Road Development Authority (RDA) should take the lead in removing those structures. If the RDA takes the initiative, we will provide our support. Also, the Padukka business community has never discussed such an issue with me. I regularly participate in the Divisional Development Committee meetings, and these matters have never been discussed there,” the Officer in Charge further stated.

“PLEASE BRING THIS ISSUE TO OUR ATTENTION”- CHAIRMAN SEETHAWAKA PRADESHIYA SABHA

When contacted regarding these matters, the Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, P.K. Premarathna, stated the following: “The Padukka business community hasn’t informed me about these issues. I seem to remember this matter being discussed at the Divisional Development Committee, but I also seem to remember that it may not have been discussed. I am not properly aware of these matters. Please bring this issue to our attention. We will investigate the matter and provide a solution as soon as possible. However, I would need to look into these concerns before making any further comments,” the Chairman said.

“THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SOORIYAARACHCHI HAS PROMISED A SOLUTION” - DIVISIONAL SECRETARY OF PADUKKA

When this writer sought comments from the Divisional Secretary of Padukka, Achini Miranga Jayasumana , regarding these matters, she stated the following: “The issue of unauthorised constructions obstructing the main roads in Padukka was discussed at the Divisional Development Committee. The committee chairman and Member of Parliament, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, promised that the matter would be investigated and a solution provided promptly. However, issues relating to drug selling and extortion were not discussed during the committee meeting,” the Divisional Secretary stated. According to the law as citizens understand it, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has the legal authority to remove unauthorised constructions under its powers and, if necessary, take legal action through the courts. However, there appears to have been no visible intervention regarding the unauthorized constructions in Padukka town. It is unclear whether these matters are being overlooked despite awareness of the situation. We state this because, when we contacted the Head Office of the Road Development Authority in Battaramulla to inquire about the matter, an official informed us that there was no responsible officer available to provide information. We were advised to seek information regarding Padukka from the Western Province Office and were instructed to contact its Director, Darshana Ruwan. Accordingly, we contacted Darshana Ruwan at 0112 8873 58. However,

we were informed that he had attended an urgent meeting at the time. Therefore, we were advised to obtain information from the Seethawaka Divisional Office regarding the matter and to contact Engineer R.G.A. Maheshi. Although we attempted to contact Engineer Maheshi, one officer informed us that she had gone for lunch. Upon making further inquiries, another official stated that the engineer had gone out for a meeting. We were also informed that the technical officer responsible for Padukka under the Road Development Authority had already been notified of these issues through a written letter. Given that the Road Development Authority has the legal authority to remove unauthorized constructions, it raises questions as to why time is being wasted by merely forwarding letters from one party to another instead of taking action. Therefore, the attention of the relevant authorities should be directed towards this matter. We also attempted on several occasions to contact S.C.Amila, Public Health Inspector serving the Padukka area, to obtain comments regarding these concerns, but no response was received from him. Therefore, an opportunity still remains open for both the Public Health Inspector and the Road Development Authority to express their views regarding these matters