Beach Wadiya restaurant fights Sri Lankan demolition order

Beach Wadiya, an iconic seafood restaurant in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is fighting a government order for demolition. The Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department issued a directive to remove businesses located within 10 metres of the shoreline as part of a broader coastal clean-up initiative.

The restaurant's management is resisting the order and has taken the matter to court. Suhara Chandrasekera, a director and granddaughter of the founder, argues that the establishment was built in 1974, which predates the 1981 Coast Conservation Act being used to justify the eviction. The family maintains they hold valid permits dating back to the 1970s.

Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi stated that the government has identified 82 premises violating the coastal reservation and is moving to remove them. While several nearby shops have already been demolished, Beach Wadiya remains the only establishment currently resisting the order. The dispute has sparked debate regarding the balance between coastal regulation and the preservation of culturally significant tourism landmarks.