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by Kuliyapitiya group correspondent

A motion to regularize the fragmentation of lands in the PS area was unanimously passed at the monthly meeting of Pannala Pradeshiya Sabha presided over by the Chairman J.A. Navaratna (UNP).

Gunadadsa Kannangara (JVP) moving the motion to this effect said, the Wayamba economy is based on coconut plantations. The irregular fragmentation of fertile coconut lands had brought adverse results on the economy. So I move the Sabha should regularize the fragmentation of coconut lands in the PS area.

Ranjith Lansakara seconding the motion said, the Wayamba PC had passed by-laws in respect of fragmentation of lands in the Province in 1998. But the provisions of those by-laws are not followed by the property developers. According to the by-laws the Chairman of the PS has to give authority to fragment a land on the recommendations of the Coconut Cultivation Board, Wayamba Provincial Environmental Authority. These recommendations and the development plan of the land should be directed to the Chairman of the PS along with the application to seeking permission to block out a land for sale. But without the knowledge of the Chairman, CCB and WPEA the lands are blocked out and sold. A block of land equivalent to the 10 per cent of the area of the land blocked out should be allocated to the Sabha for providing with common amenities to the residents of the land. Another block should be allocated for a cemetery.

Jayantha Kanakaratna (UNP) asked, can the Chairman ban the sale of lands if the provisions were not followed?

Lansakara said, yes, the law is there not to be kept in files but to be operated against the offenders for the betterment of the people. There is a shortcoming in those by-laws, that is the penalty for such an offender is a fine of Rs. 750, that is very simple for those who earn profits over millions of rupees.

The Vice Chairman Thushara Indunil Amarasena (UNP) said, there should be a standard in fragmentation of lands if not economic disaster would follow.

The Chairman said, this is a complicated issue, I also don't like the fragmentation of lands as that would cause economical and environmental impacts. The PS Chairmen are pressurized in this issue. If the recommendation of the PS Chairman is to be submitted before writing the deed this grave destruction could be minimised.

The motion was passed without a division.

Jayantha Kanakaratna (UNP) said, we are disgusted over the functions of the Sabha. We are not given an opportunity to work for the people who elected us to this Sabha. There are sub-committees of members in the Sabha, but they never meet. The proper place for the Vice Chairman is not granted to him. He should be given a separate room in the office.

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