By Construction of a hotel by State Minister Shehan Semasinghe has ignited controversy in Sri Lanka, raising concerns about legality, environmental impact, and potential misuse of power. The alleged location of the hotel, within the designated reserve area of the Nuwara Wewa reservoir, has triggered accusations of rule-breaking and disregard for regulations.
Land Allocation Under Scrutiny:
Semasinghe reportedly obtained 28 perches of land through the Land Kachcheri, bypassing established procedures. However, recent surveys indicate the land falls within the Nuwara Wewa reserve, designated for protecting the reservoir’s water storage capacity. Circulars explicitly prohibit allocating government land to ministers, raising questions about how Semasinghe secured the plot.
Construction Without Permits:
Authorities point out that Semasinghe’s hotel construction lacks necessary permits from relevant institutions like the Pradesha Sabha and the Central Environmental Authority. The Irrigation Department, responsible for managing the reservoir, claims the construction encroaches on the reserve and seeks legal action.
Blurred Reserve Boundaries:
Adding complexity, historical and revised measurements of the reserve level differ. Re-demarcation is ongoing, but the exact boundaries remain unclear, creating confusion and potential loopholes for exploitation.
Wider Concerns:
This case highlights broader issues in Sri Lanka, including potential misuse of power by officials, disregard for regulations, and lack of transparency in land allocation. Additionally, concerns regarding environmental protection and sustainable development arise due to potential impacts on the Nuwara Wewa ecosystem.
Unanswered Questions:
Several crucial questions remain unanswered. Will legal action be taken against Semasinghe and others occupying the disputed land? What will happen to existing structures within the contested area? Will there be further investigations into potential violations of land allocation procedures and environmental regulations?
This developing story raises critical questions about accountability, environmental protection, and equitable land management in Sri Lanka. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the concerns and ensure justice and transparency prevail.
Ministers Response: The Daily Mirror Which reported this matter and the minister said not to get him involved and asked them to check with the officials and clrif who owns the land and hanged up.
