The Ministry of Environment stated that illegal constructions along the country’s coastline are being systematically removed, and no new unauthorised structures are being built.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said that although it is not possible to remove all illegal constructions at once, the ministry is taking the necessary steps to address the issue.

“The existing structures are being systematically removed. We are doing the required work to ensure compliance with coastal regulations. There won’t be room for new unauthorised constructions,” he said.

The statement follows clarifications from the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources which stated that it has no authority to intervene in illegal constructions along the coast. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage explained recently that the responsibility lies with the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, which currently falls under the Environment Ministry.

The Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department has identified nearly 2,500 unauthorised constructions along the country’s coastal belt. Its Director General, Professor Terney Pradeep Kumara has warned that these structures violate coastal regulations and pose serious threats to the environment.