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Rural
and Community Developments wants eviction halted
Rural and Community Development Solidarity, a non governmental
organisation, has come forward to help regain the rights of
people in society who are subjected to social injustice.
Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe has acknowledged
the role of the organisation.
Addressing a letter to the Minister, the organisation has
requested his involvement to prevent people becoming internally
displaced because they are being removed from their usual
houses at Slave Island, Grandpass, Bluemandhal, Mahawatte,
Orugodawatte, Kolonnawa areas. Reportedly the authorities
are in the process of removing nearly 2000 residents from
400 houses in those areas. The residents had been informed
by the Railway Department to evacuate their former houses
by August 9, 2008.
They pointed out that the decisions made to remove 750 families
from Slave Island area, based on security reasons, as well
as to re-obtain lands belonged to Railway Department, was
a ruthless decision.
According to the Chairman of the organisation B.A.D.N.C Wimalaratne,
already residents of 45 families have been forced out of their
old houses. The alternate houses scheduled to be build for
them are still under construction.
Wimalaratne blamed the relevant authorities for not taking
steps to provide the displaced citizens with alternative land
and also for not being provided with basic facilities such
as toilets and water. Further the shanty dwellers are deprived
of dong odd jobs. The education of the children of those evicted
families has been badly affected.
He stressed the need of the Minister to offer the proper guidance
to the institutions like Urban Development Authority,National
Housing Authority, Railway Department and Colombo Municipal
Council on the state of the displaced families.
The organisation insisted the Minister’s involvement
to take quick actions to offer proper solutions for nearly
around 7000 persons belonging to 1150 families who would be
destitute as a result of the eviction process.
They further informed the Minister through their letter that
the displaced people had come under undue pressure and threats
when they were going to Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission
or the Supreme Court to find solace.
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