R.F.M. Suhail – Nuwara Eliya
Opposition councillors of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council allege that the law is not being properly enforced against unauthorized constructions within the council’s jurisdiction due to interference by certain ruling-party councillors and the acceptance of illegal inducements by some officials.
The opposition councillors point out that, under the Municipal Councils Ordinance, the Municipal Council has the authority to regulate building construction within its jurisdiction and to take legal action against buildings constructed without approval or in violation of the law.
However, they claim that these powers are not being properly exercised in relation to certain unauthorized constructions exposed by environmentalists, environmental activists, and opposition members.
Speaking to the media, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Municipal Councillor Nuwan Poruthota and United National Party Municipal Councillor Yvonne Medagama said that although the Municipal Council issues notices concerning unauthorized constructions, such notices appear to be issued merely to appease those who expose the violations. They alleged that delays and suspicious schemes can be observed when it comes to enforcing those notices.
They said that some notices issued under the signature of the Municipal Commissioner had ordered unauthorized structures to be removed within two weeks. However, nearly two months have passed and the constructions have still not been removed.
The opposition councillors also stated that, in some locations, the notices have been removed and construction work is continuing. They stressed that an immediate investigation should be conducted and the law enforced.
They further alleged that although it is stated during council meetings that the law will be enforced without granting special treatment to anyone, the situation in practice is different.
Meanwhile, responding to the allegations made by the opposition, Nuwara Eliya Mayor Upali Wanigasekara said that the relevant documents required to investigate unauthorized constructions carried out within the Nuwara Eliya city limits since 2010 had been handed over to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
The mayor stated that recent unauthorized constructions would also be investigated and that the law would be enforced regardless of the status or position of those involved.
He further said that if it is revealed that elected representatives of the Municipal Council or government officials are connected to unauthorized constructions, steps will also be taken to enforce the law against them.
