A large group of residents including children participated in the protest calling for the cancellation of the plan.

Anderson Flats Welfare Society President K. Batuwantudawa said NHDA had decided to take over 14 perches of land from the children’s playground for the construction of an apartment complex.

Mr. Batuwantudawa charged that a population of 6000 in the Anderson Flats and those in the flats at Chithra Lane Narahempita were affected by this move. “Children living in Chitra Late flats are also affected by the take over as they also use the same playground,” he said.

Mr. Batuwantudawa said each family occupying the Anderson flats pays Rs 1000 per month for the maintenance of the playground. He said it was the Welfare Association which had developed the park over the years.

He said they had met the officials of NHDA for a discussion recently but they (NHDA officials) had informed them that they had to go ahead with the construction.

Residents have made a written request to President Mahinda Rajapaksa according to Mr. Batuwantudawa but it was reported that no favourable action have been taken yet.

However the NHDA assured that the playground would be modernized for the benefit of the residents.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka