The Colombo Municipality is carrying out a survey to determine the number of residences that have been converted to commercial establishments, so as to take legal action against the owners who avoid paying the rates and taxes specified for commercial properties.

Municipality Special Administrator Omar Kamil said the survey would help determine the exact amount of revenue lost as a result of undervaluing the business premises.

It is perceived that the losses suffered by the CMC could be in the region of millions of rupees.

Meanwhile Mr. Kamil asked owners of residences which had been converted into commercial establishments to inform the municipality of such change in status and have the registrations rectified so as to avoid legal action. (Yohan Perera)