July 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka Defence Ministry has ordered to remove 750 houses on Glen Street in the Slave Island area of capital Colombo in order to enhance the security in the Colombo city. However, informed sources say that the step has been taken to provide safe passage for few VIPs who regularly pass the area.

According to the area residents, written notices have been sent to them to leave their homes within a week.

Area residents say there are over 1300 families living in these homes and the government has not provided alternative homes for them. They claim that they have been living in their homes for over 50 years , paying taxes to the Colombo Municipal council. Their homes have been considered as permanent residences when providing water and electricity.

Last year the government put a foundation stone to build flats for similarly unauthorized dwellers in the Colombo city. However, public say that the project is limited to the foundation stone, like many other projects commenced under the present administration.