Political tide on Polhena beach..
The operation to remove unauthorized constructions on the beautiful Polhena beach in Matara was launched on August 20th.
But that 20th did not come. The operation to remove unauthorized constructions was launched for the second time on September 24th, that is, tomorrow. The unauthorized constructions were also informed about it.
Law-abiding people demolished their own constructions, which had been built at a cost of lakhs of rupees, with their own hands, respecting the instructions of the officials. There is no doubt that they thought that "the law is the same for everyone."
Meanwhile, some "special" unauthorized constructions on the Polhena beach were still, that is, until the 23rd, unmoving, enjoying the sea breeze.
The sources indicate that there is a wonderful story of political and nepotism behind this.
The illegal constructions of Kumari Thilakawardena (aka Tadini Thilakawardena) and Thushara Sandakel Kumarawadu, who are showing their "strength" in the National People's Power, have not yet been bulldozed by the law.
Tadini Thilakawardena is a relative of the wife of the Director General of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, Turni Pradeep Kumara. The owners of these illegal constructions claim to have the political protection of Minister Sunil Handunnetti.
The most serious thing is that they are carrying out these illegal constructions and conducting business by forcibly occupying government lands. These illegal constructions are also waving "sticks" in the faces of businessmen who pay taxes to the government and run hotels and businesses legally.
The most interesting part of this story begins here. Director General of Coastal Conservation, Turni Pradeep Kumara, is in a strange dilemma. On one side is the kinship of his wife, the owner of 'Shiny Salon'. On the other side is the political influence of Mr. Sunil Handunnetti. When such a situation arises, a wonderful saying in our folklore is used. That is, "If you go home, your wife will die - if you stay away, you will die." That is exactly what has happened to the Director General!
The Director General of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management cannot escape his wife if he goes home. If he stays away, he cannot escape Handunnetti. What has happened in the end is that the law has stopped working and unauthorized constructions on the beach continue.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently said that 26 places on the Wellawatte beach that have been occupied by the underworld have been identified. He made a very strong speech that they would be demolished and acquired without regard to their status, exciting the listeners.
After the President's speech, several television channels showed Environment Minister Dhammika Patabandhi and Director General Turni Pradeep Kumara, who suddenly woke up from their sleep, running around in the sand in search of unauthorized constructions, in a way that made the public feel that this time the work would be done to the last detail.
Over the past year, I have continuously made numerous revelations on social media with evidence about the corrupt practices taking place in the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, which has been crowned as one of the most corrupt institutions among state institutions.
I wrote on the 18th that the Minister of Environment and the Director General, who did not open their eyes to any of that, suddenly became agitated and the extent of their interest in removing unauthorized constructions would soon be visible to everyone. The friends of Turney Pradeep and the minister who commented on that letter also scolded me with harsh words.
I have exposed the corruption committed by corrupt officials and the Director General in the past two years under this government after the current National People's Power came to power, with audio, visual and written evidence.
In the background that neither the Minister nor the Ministry Secretary took any positive steps against any of them, I personally complained to the Bribery and Corruption Investigation Commission. There has been no progress in them so far. I expect to reveal the facts in the future with all the information about it.
Since it is well known that one law is applicable to the common people and another law is applicable to those with political power and relatives, "Will all the unauthorized constructions on the Polhena beach in Matara be removed? Let's wait and see..!" I posted on my Facebook page on the 15th.
Today, the 23rd, is the day I am writing this post. It is certain that this "Polhena Nadagama" will not end on the 24th of this month, that is, tomorrow. The wonderful thing about the law being implemented equally for everyone will be seen from September 24th.
The difference between the way the law was implemented to remove unauthorized constructions by ordinary people in other coastal areas of the southern province, namely - Hirikatiya, Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama and other areas, and the way the 'law' is being implemented for the powerful in Polhena, Matara, will be seen from tomorrow (24).
We hope to reveal the facts after the 24th about the meeting held in the Parliament complex that led to that difference, the MPs and Ministers of the Matara district who participated in it, the officials who participated in it, and the wonderful decisions taken there. Until then, I invite the people of Hudi to watch the "Polhena Illegal Construction Removal Parade".
Jayalathge Sunil Gamini ✍️
