John says only President has the say on illegal structures in coastal belt

• Affirms Minister Musthapha has not contacted him, however insists that he should allow Coast Conservation to do its job
• Insists all measures were brought in to protect tourism industry, reputation of country 
• Says if CCD doesn’t do its job, they will be held accountable

By Charumini de Silva

Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga yesterday pointed out it was President Maithripala Sirisena who has the power to stop or continue the unauthorized structures built along Mirissa beach area, insisting that no other can intervene.

“It is the President who is in charge of the Coast Conservation Department (CDD). Only the President can stop them, even I cannot stop or not anyone. If President directs to stop then, the CCD will stop, if not they will continue,” he told journalists in Colombo.

When asked if the Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faizer Mustapha had contacted him regarding CCD’s decision to demolish the 17 identified unauthorized establishments in the Mirissa coastal area, Amaratunga confirmed he was not contacted, but stressed that he should allow the department to carry out their work.

“Mustapha did not speak to me. I was out of the country. I don’t know whether he has spoken to the SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority) or not; but he should not do that. He should allow them to their job. We are trying to protect our country and protect the industry, both,” he added.

Amaratunga reiterated that the tourism ministry has categorically pointed out that there is an unruly situation in the Mirissa area where they have requested to do an inspection and take the necessary measures. 

“Because it (unauthorized establishments) went out of control all this unfortunate incidents happened. Coast Conversation Department has said they are going to do an inspection and that there are any violations contravening their laws, they will have to take necessary action. Maybe eviction or maybe demolition and that is up to them. If they (CCD) do not do so, we will inquire,” he stated.