By Roy Denish.
Beach Wadiya demolition has been halted by the Court of Appeal until September 21 as the iconic Wellawatte restaurant challenges the order.
The Court of Appeal has temporarily halted the Beach Wadiya demolition, protecting the iconic Wellawatte seafood restaurant from removal until September 21, pending further consideration of the dispute. The interim injunction prevents authorities from enforcing a notice issued by the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department.
Beach Wadiya (Pvt.) Ltd. filed the writ petition through attorney Sanjeewa Kaluarachchi. President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the September 7 demolition notice was unjust. Coast Conservation Director General Prof. P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara issued the notice under Section 31(2) of the Coast Conservation Act.
Counsel argued that enforcing the notice immediately could dismantle the business before authorities considered its statutory appeal.
Beach Wadiya demolition challenged over legal status
The petitioners maintain that Beach Wadiya is not an unauthorized structure. The restaurant has operated continuously since 1973 under lease agreements obtained from the Railway Department, with the current lease valid through 2029.
They also cited Colombo Municipal Council building approvals, a 2026 trade licence and a record of regular tax compliance. In addition, counsel argued that the structure predates October 1, 1983, when the Coast Conservation Act came into force. On that basis, the petitioners maintain that Beach Wadiya should not be classified as an illegal coastal encroachment.
For more than 50 years, Beach Wadiya has remained a prominent part of Sri Lanka’s coastal dining culture. Its guest list has included Princess Anne, entrepreneur Richard Branson, playback singer Asha Bhosle and cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Clive Lloyd.
The restaurant has also attracted leading cultural figures, including filmmaker Dr. Lester James Peries and author Carl Muller.
The Court of Appeal’s interim order keeps the historic premises protected while judges consider the procedural validity of the removal notice and the wider statutory appeal. Until September 21, authorities cannot proceed with the disputed Beach Wadiya demolition.
