Lottery stall demolition - man claims Rs. 1m

Wasantha Ramanayake

A lottery seller complained to the Supreme Court yesterday that Police demolished his lottery stall rendering him jobless violating his rights.

W.A. Palitha of Ragama complained to Court by way of a Fundamental Rights application that Police had demolished his two lottery stalls in Malwatte Street, Pettah on January 23.

The petitioner stated that he has two lottery agencies and was engaged in the business since 1988 for 20 years.

He was the bread winner of his family. He has two children. The petitioner stated that police claimed to have demolished the lottery stalls on the basis of a circular issued by the Inspector General of Police.

The IGP had issued the circular on the basis of the judgement of a Supreme Court in connection with a fundamental rights case on the use of loud-speakers.

The petitioner stated that circular was issued to ban the use of loud-speakers in public places; therefore, the demolishing lottery stalls was contrary to the circular and violated the petitioner's rights.

The petitioner sought compensation in Rs. one million.