Preliminary investigations have revealed that the original planning permission obtained for the construction of the collapsed five storey house on Sangamitta Mawatha in Bowelikada, Kandy had been granted only for the construction of three floors and that the base and foundation had been prepared accordingly.
According to sources Anura Lewke, a former Basnayake Nilame and owner of the collapsed house had in writing sought permission to construct two more floors. However it is unclear if he had received any such permission.
Investigations are continuing into the incident. The house owned by Lewke collapsed on September 20 taking the lives of a young family including a one month old infant.
