SC wants Slave Island residents to have dialogue with UDA

Jayantha de Silva

The Supreme Court yesterday directed residents of Slave Island, earmarked for relocation due to their properties being acquired for a development project, to have a dialogue with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and to inform whether they prefer to obtain compensation or in lieu, a rental computed on slabs on the basis of floor area of a rented property.

The Bench directed the UDA to submit the report on preferences on or before the next call date fixed for March 12. The Bench comprised Chief Justice Mohan Pieris PC, Justice P A Ratnayake and Justice Priyasath Dep.

Sudath Perera Associates for the UDA submitted that the widest possible options are available to those displaced and the rentals had been revised upward at their request on several occasions.

The Chief Justice instructed the UDA to pay compensation upfront. "This judicial exercise is to have a good life for all concerned. However, the project should go ahead. The Court continues to protect them."