Go ahead for Slave Island project

Jayantha de Silva

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the Slave Island Development Project to go ahead and vacated the earlier order stating that

the status quo pertaining to the matter to be maintained subject to variation in respect of valuation of property.

The Chief Justice emphasizing the urgency of developing the city and upgrading the living standards of the under-served warned all parties concerned with the issue to "refrain from violence whatsoever or else perpetrators of such acts will be visited by very severe action".

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Mohan Pieris, Justice P. A. Ratnayake and Justice Priyasath Dep.

The Bench fixed the next call date for April 4. Amongst the respondents cited are the UDA, the Minister of Land Development and the Defence Secretary.

In this case some residents of Slave Island had petitioned the Supreme Court against the respondents taking further steps under the Land Acquisition Act to acquire their properties for a development project by TATA, an Indian conglomerate. The petition stated interalia that they were served with notices about the proposed acquisition of their properties for a development project.

They also informed that until apartments are constructed in Slave Island they will be temporarily relocated in Weligodawatte in Thotalanga area.

Parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Senasinghe appearing with Sudath Perera Associates for the petitioners submitted a proposal in respect of the rentals computed on the basis of slabs to be paid for those who opt to live on a rental basis once their housing projects are completed.

The revised proposal represents a USD 200 million increase to the project initiative. About 517 residencies are affected by the proposed relocation.

At this point the Bench observed that they should be relocated with minimum inconvenience.

The Counsels submitted that the cost of the project is USD 400 million. Additional Solicitor General Viran Dayaratne with State Council Avanthi Perera appeared for the Attorney General.