Sept 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka government authorities took measures today to remove all the unauthorized constructions from the beach of the southern coastal town Hikkaduwa.

Ministry of Defense and Urban Authority and the Coast Conservation Department conducted the clearing operations amid police and armed forces security.

The illegal constructions were removed using heavy machinery. The owners of these premises had been informed about the removal, said a spokesman of the Coast Conservation Department.

Hikkaduwa in Southern Sri Lanka is a world famous tourist hot spot with beautiful beaches, coral reefs and luxury and mid-range hotels.

However, the unauthorized constructions were destroying the beach space for a while and the public as well as some restaurant owners felt that removal of them was a necessary measure.