Residents of Lake Drive, Colombo 8, are in an escalating battle against what they describe as an “illegal” 12-story apartment complex aggressively marketed by Prime Group, one of Sri Lanka’s leading property developers.
The development, situated on what residents claim is an environmentally sensitive marshland with a high water table, has sparked widespread concern and formal complaints to the Urban Development Authority (UDA), which has provided no clear response regarding permits or approvals.
“This is not just about inconvenience; it’s about safety, environmental protection, and adherence to zoning laws,” says Nishantha Ranatunga, a long-time resident who has formally petitioned the UDA. “The Prime Group is advertising and selling units for a building that may not even have proper approval.”
Multiple residents have independently contacted authorities, questioning whether necessary permits have been issued for a structure that exceeds the area’s height restrictions. Despite these inquiries, the UDA has remained conspicuously silent.
The site’s location presents serious infrastructure challenges that residents fear haven’t been adequately addressed:
“We’re talking about potentially irreversible damage to both the local environment and existing properties,” explains a civil engineer who has reviewed the site. “Building a high-rise on this land requires extraordinary precautions and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.”
Even as residents await clarity from authorities, Prime Group continues aggressively marketing the apartments, with glossy advertisements appearing across media platforms and sales offices actively closing deals with prospective buyers.
“They’re selling dreams that might turn into nightmares,” environmental activist Kumari says. “People are putting down deposits on properties that might never be legally built or worse, could be constructed in violation of critical safety and environmental standards.”
The neighbourhood association has now escalated its concerns to higher government officials, demanding immediate clarification from the UDA regarding the project’s approvals.
Urban planning experts warn that this controversy reflects a larger pattern of development projects with insufficient oversight.
“When developers can advertise and sell properties before demonstrating full regulatory compliance, it undermines the entire urban planning framework. If this project proceeds without proper scrutiny, it sets a dangerous precedent for development throughout Colombo.”
As residents continue their fight for answers, they’ve scheduled a community protest for next weekend, vowing to bring national attention to what they describe as “a clear case of profit being prioritised over people and proper process.”
As a responsible media organisation, we are happy to carry out the replies of the UDA and Prime Group and confirm that we have the necessary documentary evidence, including floor plans of the said project.
