Polonnaruwa District Director of the Department of Irrigation, Krishan Reuban, stated that the Sudu Araliya Hotel, located near the Parakrama Samudraya, cannot be demolished.

Speaking to Mawbima newspaper, he explained that the land in question was legally allocated to the Tourist Board in 1977 and that the hotel has been constructed in accordance with the law.

However, he added that a fresh survey is scheduled to be conducted to verify whether any additional land has been encroached upon by the Sudu Araliya Hotel.

Reuban made these remarks in response to a recent statement by Minister K. D. Lalkantha, who claimed that the hotel would have to be removed following the commencement of a programme to re-demarcate the boundaries of the tank reservation. (Courtesy: Mawbima)