Amaraweera tells CEA to submit report on all unauthorized constructions in Gannoruwa

Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to submit a report on all unauthorized construction in the Gannoruwa area in Kandy and within the boundaries of the Mahaweli River in the Kandy city suburbs.

The complaint was lodged by thevKandy District Development Committee Chairman and MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara, regarding several unauthorized constructions near the suspension bridge (Ellena Palama) over the Mahaweli River, the Gannoruwa area and several newly heaped sand dunes in the vicinity of the Mahaweli River. The Minister gave these instructions with attention.

Due to several newly heaped sand dunes on the Mahaweli River in that area, the river is likely to overflow at that place during heavy rains. Therefore, it has been found that many constructions on both sides of the Mahaweli River are under serious threat.

MP Yapa Bandara has also inquired as to who was responsible for the environmental reports that had been obtained for many constructions on both sides of the Mahaweli River.

Therefore, the Minister instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to immediately send a team of officials to inspect the sand dunes.

Minister Amaraweera has also decided to visit Kandy within the next two weeks with officials from the CEA and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to discuss the matter and find a tangible solution.