Disna MUDALIGE
The minimum fine imposed for offenses under the Coast Conservation Act will be increased to Rs 5,000 from Rs 500 and the maximum fine to Rs 50,000, a spokesperson from the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) told the Daily News.
She said an amendment in this regard will be taken up in Parliament for the second reading shortly.
She said under the new amendments, the CCD will be vested with extensive powers for efficient coastal conservation and coastal resource management. Accordingly, provisions are made to arrest an offender without a warrant for violating the laws and regulations of the Act.
She also said the CCD will be vested with powers to declare special management areas, affected areas, beach parks and conservation areas under the new amendments. She noted that Madu river and Negombo lagoon have been recommended to be declared as special management areas.
She said new sections will be added to the Act to develop a beach access plan and to expand the coastal management plan to include coastal resources. The existing length of the Sri Lankan coastal zone is also to be revised, she said.
"We will be able to take action against illegal constructions in the coastal belt after the approval of the new amendments. The length of the buffer zone declared after the tsunami is to be revised area by area. With these new changes, the CCD will be able to make a strong collaborative effort towards coastal conservation," she explained.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/13/news50.asp
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