Beach Parks planned

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Coast Conservation Department of the Ports and Aviation Ministry will construct Beach Parks at several eye catching locations along the coastal belt, Ports and Aviation Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said.

The first beach park will be established at Kalido beach in Kalutara. Several beach parks thereafter will be established at Wellawatte, Panadura, Beruwala, Koggala, Matara, Arugambay, Chilaw, Crow's Island, Trincomalee and many other places covering the entire coastal belt of the island.

The tourism sector is developing rapidly as a result of the peaceful situation. The beach parks will be constructed aiming to boost the booming tourism sector while conserving the coastal belt.

"Beach parks will be locations for both local and foreign tourists," Minister Abeygunawardena said. The Minister further said that unauthorized constructions along the coastal belt will be removed so as to protect the environment while preserving the natural beauty of coasts. In accordance with the present regulations of the Coast Conservation Act, multiple set-back system is carried out in the country. Under this regulations no construction will be allowed within 35 metres from the sea.

The buffer zone will be vary from 35 metres to 125 metres depending on various factors. The longest 125 metre buffer zone has been declared in Pothuwil, a Coast Conservation Department official said.