Authorities promise swift action against unauthorised establishments along Hiriketiya beach

(Before) Scenic Hiriketiya beach stretch in 2015 (Image - Google street view)

Unauthorised establishments built along the scenic Hiriketiya beach have caught the attention of locals. The Daily Mirror learned that these establishments had been built around January. The Hiriketiya beach is a public beach and a main attraction for locals and tourists who like to enjoy the beachside away from Galle. The establishments are similar to sheds built on rocks along the beach blocking the view that attracted visitors from far and wide. While these establishments have been built by locals for entertainment purposes, concerns have also been raised regarding the type of visitors that these establishments have attracted as of late. A source told this paper that this beach stretch used to be a safe area where girls could travel by themselves even at night. But individuals, resembling ‘ruffians’, frequenting these establishments have infringed the privacy of locals. Concerns were raised as to how these establishments were authorised and whether law enforcement authorities were taking any steps to remove these sheds which are ruining the beauty of the Hiriketiya beach stretch. 

Demolition orders issued: CCD 

According to the Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 there is a designated coastal zone. This includes the area within 300 metres landward of the mean high water line and extends 2 kilometres seaward of the mean low water line, with specific extensions for areas connected to the sea like rivers and lagoons. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, CCD’s Matara District Assistant Director K. B. V. T Indunil said “The beach is a public area and can be utilised for public purposes. It is not for personal use”. He said that demolition orders have already been issued on unauthorised establishments along Hiriketiya beach. 

Explaining the eviction process, Indunil said that according to the Act, perpetrators could be arrested without a warrant if found guilty of constructing unauthorised establishments along a coastal zone. “When we lodge a complaint with the Police, the owners are given a seven day grace period to submit any justifications. This has to be made as an appeal to the Divisional Secretary. Many of them know that they are doing something illegal,” he added. 

“When we lodge a complaint with the Police, the owners are given a seven day grace period to submit any justifications. This has to be made as an appeal to the Divisional Secretary. Many of them know that they are doing something illegal”- 
K. B. V. T Indunil, CCD’s Matara District Assistant Director 

The Daily Mirror learned that prior to issuing demolition orders, the CCD issues a first complaint to the Police. Section 14 of the CC Act states, ‘no person shall engage in any development activity other than a prescribed development activity within the Coastal Zone except under the authority of a permit issued in that behalf by the Director’. “But if they are not in possession of a permit they will be fined under Section 28 (1) of the Act. If they don’t respond to or comply with the first complaint the CCD Director has the authority to issue demolition orders under Section 31 (4) of the Act,” explained Indunil.

Will immediately act upon any complaints regarding unauthorised establishments: Dickwella Police OIC 

When inquired, Officer-in-Charge of Dickwella Police, Chief Inspector Samarasinghe said that he hadn’t been notified about any unauthorised establishments along Hiriketiya beach. “This matter comes under the purview of the Coast Conservation Department. If they lodge a complaint with the Police, I will be duty bound to act upon it immediately,” he affirmed. 

However sources told the Daily Mirror that the Dickwella Police OIC would be briefed about the course of actions taken by the CCD and that unauthorised establishments along Hiriketiya beach would eventually be removed with the interventions from respective law enforcement authorities.

An eyesore along Hiriketiya beach that has ruined the beauty of the area