The Minister of Environment, Dammika Patabendi has ordered the temporary suspension of construction work related to a gabion barrier built to prevent coastal erosion along the Pamunugama–Wahatiyagoda coastline in Wattala, pending further investigation.
The directive was issued following two site inspections conducted yesterday (12) at the affected coastal area and at Taldiyawatta in Dikkowita, Wattala. The inspections were carried out with the participation of the Environment Minister and senior officials from the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, including its Director General.
During the inspection, officials found that the gabion barrier had reportedly been constructed beyond the boundaries approved by the Department of Coast Conservation. The construction was also found to extend into areas considered part of the beach.
The Minister instructed officials to suspend further construction work on the barrier until further notice, stressing that all construction and development activities within the coastal conservation zone must comply with relevant laws and regulations and receive the required approval from the Department of Coast Conservation.
He also ordered a formal investigation into the approvals granted for the project, the boundaries specified for the construction, and the manner in which the barrier was built.
The Ministry of Environment said the investigation would also examine whether the relevant government officials had properly fulfilled their duties and responsibilities in overseeing the project.
Meanwhile, during the inspection at the Taldiyawatta in Dikkowita, the Minister visited a house that had been damaged amid the prevailing monsoon conditions and increasingly powerful sea waves.
The Minister expressed concern over the risks posed to residents and their property as seawater continues to move inland due to rough sea conditions.
He emphasized the need for urgent technical assessments to determine appropriate short-term and long-term measures to address coastal erosion and minimize the risks posed by strong waves.
Officials were subsequently instructed to coordinate with relevant government agencies and conduct the necessary technical studies on coastal erosion in the area. They were also directed to implement appropriate measures without delay to safeguard residents.
The Ministry said protecting public safety, conserving the coastal ecosystem and ensuring proper coastal management in accordance with the law remain key government priorities.
It added that further measures would be taken to ensure that development and conservation activities in coastal areas comply with applicable laws, regulations and technical recommendations.
