By Hemantha Randunu
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) had on Friday received a report on the five-storey building in Kalutara from where a 16-year old schoolgirl had fallen, UDA Chairman Nimesh Herath said on Friday.
He promised follow-up action on Monday. Herath said that the Director of the UDA office in Kalutara conducted a comprehensive investigation into the building and handed over his report on Friday.He said that he would refer his recommendations to Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga after which future action is expected to be taken.
The five-storey lodge relevant to the death has been built on a very narrow strip of land in Kalutara city. When constructing such a building, there are several authorities from whom permission and directions should be obtained. This is compulsorily.
At the same time, an essential task to be carried out is scientifically certifying the standards of building materials used, Herath said.
Initially, approval from the concerned local authority is required. Plans of the property on which the construction will be undertaken and the building plans must be authorized by the UDA or relevant local body.
Meanwhile, the last phone call received by the dead girl, Tihara Nirmani, who is suspected to have jumped off the fifth floor of the building has been traced to her 19-year old friend who had accompanied her to the hotel.
This was to meet Dhanushka Sahabandu, a 29-year-old man who was with the girl, Tihara, when she died, police have found. Sahabandu is also in custody.He had previously told the police that Tihara became agitated and jumped out of the window following the telephone call.
The 19-year-old female is currently in custody and the police suspect that she is involved in various nefarious activities. She and her boyfriend had accompanied the dead girl to the hotel and had left her there with the 29-year-old man, the police said.The police are to record a statement from the 19-year-old female to determine what the conversation she had with Tihara.