Dr Sarath Obeysekera  

Colombo Marshes being filled un abated …….

I voted the new regime to come to power ,I wonder whether I should regret when I read and see such actions as detailed above which is being ignored .

I drive along the Thalwathugoda Hokandara Road and see the nonstop filling of a Marsh  which is  upstream of the water flow to the Thalangama Tank.There is a culvert crossing the road and I also note that It is being blocked by filling .

I remember when Gota was in charge of SLLRDC ,he  personally came to this location and removed unauthorised filling .He had to come presumably because the UNP ex MP was  threatening the officers .Earth was removed and the marsh was restored.

I see the land in extend of about 1 acre being filled now again under the patronage of the same politician ,As I was a chairman of the same corporation some time back I called the  DGM in charge of prevention such action .I was told in uncertain terms that authority from Agrarian services has been obtained and he cannot do anything and minister is aware of it I was very annoyed and told him that it is not an acceptable response .

If Sirasa TV wants to photograph the area and give publicity ,Minister in charge of SLLRDC as well as Environment Authority will be forced to admit that Yahaplnaya is not working

Dr Sarath Obeysekera