Govt policy to provide homes with all amenities

Jayantha de Silva

The government's policy is to provide people with homes equipped with all amenities, Attorney at Law Faizer Musthapha PC said before Supreme Court yesterday.

He was appearing for Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa along with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) cited as respondents in a Fundamental Rights application filed by some residents of Slave Island against their relocation attributed to their property being utilised for a development project. The Bench comprised Chief Justice Mohan Peiris PC , Justice P A Ratnayake and Justice Priyasath Dep.

In reply to an objection by MP and Attorney at Law Sujeewa Senasinghe appearing for the petitioners, Musthapha said a meeting was held with the Defence Secretary earlier, attended by residents of 517 houses in Slave Island where the residents were given an opportunity to express their ideas.

There was no coercion whatsoever. It was explained that the government's aim was not to earn money but to provide comfortable apartments to people living in dilapidated houses thereby to uplift their living conditions.

Attorney at Law Sanjeewa Jayawardana appeared for the UDA. The next call date was fixed for February 18.