Sri Lanka’s coastal watchdog has announced a controversial decision to legalize unauthorized structures along the island’s beaches by introducing a hefty annual fine instead of removing them. The move, aimed at regulating over 2000 illegal constructions, is drawing concern over fairness, corruption, and environmental impact.
The Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management has decided to permit unauthorized constructions along Sri Lanka’s 1620-kilometer coastline to continue operations after paying an annual fine. This policy shift will be implemented through new legal provisions allowing annual permits for existing illegal structures.
Authorities state that approximately 2000 such unauthorized constructions are spread along the country’s beaches. Rather than pursuing costly and complex court orders to demolish these structures, the department plans to regularize them under a new system. This includes issuing permits in exchange for a Rs. 500,000 annual fine per establishment.
The Director General noted that some of these constructions are tied to the local tourism industry and removing them may cause unnecessary disruption. Therefore, the department is opting to formalize the operations of these illegal coastal developments.
In cases where the annual fine cannot be paid, legal action may still be pursued, including removal by court order. However, for families who have built homes within the restricted coastal buffer zones, the department says a smaller fine or alternative remedy may be applied based on humanitarian grounds.
The department clarified that the coastal construction buffer zone varies depending on the location and ecological sensitivity of each coastal area. Their role, they say, is not only conservation but also regulation of development along the coastal belt.
The Director General also acknowledged that informal approvals by previous governments led to a flood of beachfront development without proper oversight. He added that legal, law-abiding developers have raised concerns about the unfairness of this leniency. Many complaints have been received alleging that politically connected individuals, armed groups, or wealthy land grabbers have occupied coastal zones illegally and built unapproved structures.
Despite the move to legalize existing unauthorized buildings, the department reiterated that no new construction within the restricted zone will be approved. The Director General, Professor Turney Pradeep Kumara, emphasized that strict enforcement will apply moving forward to prevent further encroachment on coastal land.
While the new policy aims to balance tourism, regulation, and conservation, critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent by rewarding illegal construction with a price tag instead of punishment.
