Instructions issued to prepare report on unauthorised land acquisitions within two months
The committee appointed to protect lands in the Eastern Province convened for the second time yesterday afternoon (16) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
The committee was appointed to prevent illegal land acquisitions, protect the coastline and provide prompt solutions to land-related issues through the coordination of relevant state institutions.
The progress of the field inspections conducted by the committee to date and the current situation were discussed extensively at the meeting.
Information was sought from relevant officials regarding unauthorised constructions along the coast of the Eastern Province, encroachment of State lands and the unauthorised occupation of lands belonging to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The committee also instructed that a report on these matters be prepared and submitted within two months.
It was also decided to obtain an interim report on unauthorised constructions along the Arugam Bay coastline. It was further decided that information from District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries should be obtained when preparing the relevant reports.
Chairman of the Eastern Province Land Protection Committee Senaka Palliyaguruge and other government officials serving on the committee were present. Director General of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Prof. P. B. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Conservator General of Forests W. W. M. P. S. C. Palamakumbura, and Additional Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Manjula Amaratne also attended the meeting.
