Sri Lankan authorities have identified 87 unauthorized structures along the Bambalapitiya to Wellawatte coastal stretch, with Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi announcing plans for their removal within September 2026.
The Environment Ministry has identified 87 unauthorized structures along the Marine Drive coastal belt stretching from Bambalapitiya to Wellawatte, according to Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi. The minister indicated that removal operations are scheduled to commence within the current month.
Beyond the identified structures themselves, authorities have also flagged five separate zones along the coastline that require dedicated protection and conservation efforts due to damage from unauthorized construction activities. These zones represent areas where environmental restoration or preventative measures may be necessary.
Oversight of the Marine Drive protection effort falls to the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, which holds statutory responsibility for safeguarding the coastal resource in this area. The minister's statement underscores an effort to enforce existing coastal regulations along one of Sri Lanka's prominent urban beach corridors.