Section of Colombo Swimming Club bulldozed without prior notice?

The Road Development Authority (RDA) today demolished a section of land at the Colombo Swimming Club including the pool area with the use of bulldozers and labourers, however those in charge of the club say they were taken by surprise by the sudden turn of events.

A section of the club, which is some 75 years old and has a history dating back to the colonial era in Sri Lanka, had reportedly been acquired by the RDA to make way for the expansion of Marine Drive up to Galle Face.

“We were entirely surprised by this turn of events which unfolded early this afternoon, as we had been in communication with both the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Highways regarding divestiture of this land,” said the President of the Colombo Swimming Club, Tony de Livera.

He stated that they had received two letters from the Ministry of Land dated 29th March 2017 and 6th June 2017, that their request was being considered, and that they were awaiting details re compensation offered etc before proceeding to evaluating the request. 

“We have not received any communication from either the Ministry of Land or Ministry of Highways informing us that our request had been rejected,” he said.

He said that despite the explanations given by them and the production of documents in their possession, the RDA insisted on executing the court order, “without even giving us any time whatsoever to make alternate arrangements or appeal to higher authorities.”

He claims that they were not given prior notice of the court action and therefore were never in a position to present full facts before the courts.

“We also observed from the court order produced by the RDA to us today, that the order was issued on 7th July 2017, but it is clear that they suppressed it from us until today and chose to come after 12 noon on a Friday, to prevent us having any ability to go to court to seek relief.”

The President of the Colombo Swimming Club stated that they are both sad and angry at the way the RDA has handled this matter and that they are considering all options and are in discussions with their lawyers regarding this matter.