Dusit Thani complex towering over natural environment :

Pattaya model for Sri Lanka’s coastal resorts

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Both, the proposed Indola Dusit Thani Complex in Balapitiya and the already constructed 11 storeyed Marriot property in Weligama by the East West Group, tower above the natural and surrounding built environments, and comprise the tallest beach front properties outside of Colombo

Pic: Courtesy insideguides.com

Development and environment are constantly at loggerheads. Which of the two should take precedence has been a burning issue among policy makers, developers and environmentalists. However, given the magnitude and the spate of ecological disasters, policy makers are increasingly giving priority to environmental safety to minimize the impact of human activity.

The impact of mega development projects such as the construction of hotels and housing apartments along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka has become increasingly controversial as many projects appear to violate laws that prescribe that hotels should be built a minimum of 300 metres from the sea, to preserve the coastal eco systems, and natural wave and erosion barriers.

Recently, a 15 storeyed tower was approved for construction on the sea front in Balapitiya. The complex is to be built with an investment of Rs. 3 billion by the Indola Group, an Australian company registered in Sri Lanka and Dusit International, a Thai based hospitality and education company.

However, there is concern that such a tall building by the seafront will mar the seafront and beachfront location. Previously, in the planned beach resort developments implemented in Beruwala and Bentota from the 70s onwards, hotels have been built away from the coast and remained below 9 stories, preserving the natural form of the coastline.

Both, the proposed Indola Dusit Thani Complex in Balapitiya and the already constructed 11 storey Marriot Property in Weligama by the East West group, tower above the natural and surrounding built environments, and comprise the tallest beach front properties outside of Colombo. It has raised fears of unregulated high-rise development along Sri Lanka’s coastline - as has been seen in beach resorts in some parts of the world – Benidorm in Spain and Pattaya.

A number of agencies are responsible for regulating construction along the coast, including the Coastal Conservation Department (CCD) and the Central Environmental Authority(CEA). However, with regard to the Dusit Thani project Coast Conservation Department Director A.H. Gamini Hewage said, “the company has obtained approval from the CCD.”

Indola Group Director Ajit Wijesinghe said, the company had obtained approval to go ahead with the project, and added that there is overwhelming support in the South for the project. The CCD defines the coastal zone in the Coastal Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 which categorically states, the coastal zone comprises an area lying within a limit of three hundred metres landwards of the Mean High Waterline.

“No project, however important, if implemented within the 300-metres, approval of the CCD is a must”, Hewage said. However, he said there had been development projects launched along the coastal line prior to the establishment of the CCD in 1984 which breached coastal conservation regulations. Since there was no law prevailing at that time no action was taken to stall such projects.