NewsSri Lanka’s Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga on Thursday raised concerns of interference in the implementation of the law by the relevant authorities in the removal of unauthorised constructions as in the case of the Mirissa Surf Bar. Addressing a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) auditorium in Colombo, he noted, "We are doing this in the interest of the tourism industry. Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Mustapha is alleged to have urged the authorities not to remove these unauthorised constructions. However, he pointed out that the President was unlikely to make such a move and stop the eviction and removal of unauthorised constructions by the relevant authorities. The Tourism Ministry, the minister said had asked the relevant authorities to look into the situation in Mirissa due to the unruly conditions prevalent there.

Source: Sunday Times April 26, 2018 14:03 UTC