• Spl Police unit to also be established 

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to establish a special committee to protect lands in the Eastern Province amid growing concerns over illegal land acquisitions, unauthorised land reclamation and unlawful coastal constructions.

The Government noted that such activities, allegedly carried out through the misuse of political influence and power, have created significant social, economic and administrative challenges in the Province. The authorities have also raised concerns over the impact on coastal ecosystems, environmental degradation, obstacles to development activities and potential threats to national security.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the appointment of a committee chaired by the former Southern Province Land Commissioner and current Southern Province Local Government Commissioner Senaka Palliyaguruge, with the participation of representatives from the relevant institutions. Cabinet also approved the establishment of a special Police unit under a Deputy Inspector General of Police to prevent illegal land acquisitions and reclamation activities. In addition, approval was granted to reclaim lands allocated by the Mahaweli Authority for commercial purposes where no development work has commenced within five years, and to transfer such lands to Divisional Secretaries for local development projects. Cabinet also endorsed the preparation of an accelerated programme to promote tourism along the Eastern coastline while protecting coastal ecosystems, as well as a mechanism to ensure the transparent enforcement of laws relating to hotels operating in the area.