Political influence prevents relocating illegally built Hindu Kovil in Nilaweli tourism zone

Feb 05, Colombo: Political influence has prevented the relocation of a Hindu Kovil built without permission in the Nilaweli tourism zone in Trincomalee, according to a government official.

Government Agent of Trincomalee M.A.A. Pushpakumara says although it has been instructed to move the Hindu Kovil built in the Kamburupitiya area in the tourism zone and an alternate land has been provided, influence of some politicians is preventing the relocation.

“We have already given an alternate land across the road. The Provincial Land Ministry Secretary has already asked the Regional Secretary to remove this. But there is influence of political forces,” the government official told BBC Sandeshaya.

Explaining the effect of constructing religious shrines in a tourist zone, the official said legal problems arise when granting liquor licenses to the surrounding resorts in the tourism zone.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has introduced tourism zones is order to avoid development all over the country minimizing the negative impact on the environment and to mitigate cultural impact.

Owners of the hotels inside the Nilaweli Tourism Zone say several complaints have been lodged against the building of the Kovil in the tourism zone but no solution has been received from the authorities.