The Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management says no hotel or individual can claim ownership of beaches in Sri Lanka.
Speaking during a televised interview, Director General of the Department, Professor Turney Pradeep Kumara, said that it is the responsibility of hotels and properties to maintain their beachfront.
He said, however, just because they maintain such beach fronts, they cannot claim ownership of the area as private beaches, and prevent locals or individuals from using the area.
“If an area is not designated by the Defence Ministry or the Department of Wildlife Conservation, anyone can visit that beach area. No individual or property can claim it as theirs,” he added. (Newswire)