The steps taken by the Urban Development Authority to pull down all illegal and unauthorised permanent structures on the sides of the roads, by-roads and pavements, is laudable. These structures are an eyesore to the public and a hindrance to pedestrians. Whoever has given the authority to erect unauthorised structures should take full responsibility. These structures are put up by undesirables and 'chandiyas' who extort money from the occupants.

In the City of Colombo, unauthorised structures are on pavements and pedestrians cannot make use of pavements. The surrounding area is polluted by the garbage that they just throw out. It comes as a surprise that dwellers in these structures enjoy electricity and running water facility. How could the Ceylon Electricity Board and Water and Drainage Board have given connections? Genuine house owners find it very difficult to get such facilities without House Deeds and assessment numbers.

Politicians and parliamentarians should be cautious to not encourage or sponsor such constructions on state lands. If such authority is given, it will not only be a problem to the Government, but also an impediment to the development of the City and the suburbs.

Most of the shanty type structures in the City of Colombo are used for nefarious activities, many underworld gangsters, drug addicts and twilight women take shelter in these structures.

The presence of such illegal structures is not only an eyesore, but also breeding places for any epidemic. If swift action is not taken, "Kappan Karayas" will prosper and the public will be at peril.
A. M. M. Reyal
Mt. Lavinia