The Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka is ahead to offer alternative accommodations to the aggrieved residents and owners of the houses situated at Slave Island, in the heart of Colombo Metropolis which is in the periphery of Defence Ministry and Army Headquarters.

Pursuant to the fundamental rights filed by 17 petitioners among the aggrieved residents whose houses at Mews Street, Slave Island had been demolished, the Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando informed the Supreme Court that the UDA is offering alternative accommodations to the aggrieved Petitioners at Dematagoda which is also within the Colombo Municipal boundary.

Counsel J.C.Weliamuna who appeared for the Petitioner told the Court that the Petitioners want to inspect the housing complex whether it is suitable for them to accept.

In view of these circumstances, the Supreme Court listed the matter to be mentioned on February 23.

The Court had on June 24 last year granted leave to proceed with the petition by the aggrieved residents and owners of the said houses. The Petitioners complained that their housed had been demolished b the UDA on May 5 last year on the purported instructions of the Defence Ministry.

The Court granted them leave to proceed for the allege infringements of their fundamental rights to equality and equal protection of the law as well as the freedom of choosing their residence within Sri Lanka.

Petitioners cited the UDA, Director General (Lands) Prasanna de Silva, Director (Lands) Abeygunawardena, Assistant Director (Lands) Anura Dissanayake, Defence Secretary, Army Commander, the IGP and the Attorney General as Respondents.

– Asian Tribune –