ENVIRONMNETALISTS UNHAPPY WITH PLANS TO FINE UNAUTHORISED COASTAL CONSTRUCTIONS

The Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management says that over 2,500 unauthorised structures have been identified along the island's coastline.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo yesterday (2), Director General Professor Terney Pradeep Kumara said that while some of these structures will be demolished, others will either be subject to heavy fines or an annual license system.

However, environmentalist Sajeeva Chamikara has criticised the move, saying it undermines the equality of the law.

Meanwhile, a discussion was also held in Matara regarding unauthorised coastal constructions between those involved in the tourism industry and the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunnetti.