Govt. goes strict on Galle Face

7 November 2024 06:13 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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* Used by Aragalaya protestors in 2022, now open only for religious activities, festivals, musical events

* No longer for political events

Colombo, November 7 (Daily Mirror) - The government has decided to be strict on the reservation of Galle Face Green not only for religious activities but also for all festivals, musical shows, and celebrations subject to the appropriate criteria.

The new government has reversed the Cabinet decision taken by the previous government in 2023 to grant permission only for religious activities at the Galle Face Green.

Galle Face Green was the site of the Aragalaya protest in 2022 which chased out then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office.

According to the Cabinet decision, the Galle Face Ground, which is under the management and administration of Sri Lanka Ports Management and Consultation Services (Pvt) Ltd, the subsidiary of Sri Lanka Ports Authority, is not to be granted permission for another purpose other than for religious purposes.

Approximately Rs. 2.5–3.0 million has to be incurred for the administration and maintenance of the Galle Face Ground, and it has been seen that the Galle Face Ground is to be used as an attractive and secure place for foreign and local tourists to traverse freely as well as a place where people can allow to participate in the festivals, musical shows, and celebrations subject to the appropriate criteria as existed prior to the year 2023, the Government Information Department said.

The Cabinet has granted approval presented by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Vijitha Herath to take necessary steps to make the administration of Galle Face Ground more systematically and transparently under the basis of the concept “clean and greenery Galle Face Ground".

Comments - 4

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 07 November 2024 06:43 AM

Once you allow frequent festivals , the greens will be gone and garbage left everywhere. Then you will see street food vendors who will spill their oil on the ground. So it will be Dirty Galle Face Brown. The amount mentioned as expenses is probably the salaries paid yo those who are supposed to clean the area and ensure the entire area is green, but they do not seem to be doing a good job except receiving their salaries.

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Amaran Thursday, 07 November 2024 07:51 AM

The GALLE FACE GREEN is admired by many locals and foreigners. Therefore, it is not only government duty but also for LOCALS who visit there to adhere discipline. People should not throw rubbish as they eat

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Mohamed Adham Thursday, 07 November 2024 11:51 AM

It should NOT be allowed for any activity , but, EXCLUSIVELY for the pleasure of the PUBLIC. Any event will make the Galle Face dirty and filled with Garbage and Food refuse. Our people still do not know how to maintain a clean environment, even if garbage bins are around, you can still see some of us , just throwing garbage any place. So it should be STRICTLY PROHIBITED for ANY event, Religious or otherwise. PURELY FOR THE PLEASURE OF THE PUBLIC. For the poor this, along with Victoria Park is the ONLY place in Colombo , they can ENJOY FREE OF CHARGE. Lets not spoil it.

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Galileo Thursday, 07 November 2024 11:59 AM

Good initiative, it is a hot spot for events and can be made to generate income to maintain and develop this area without burdening the tax payers as well as an additional income to government. Keep it clean and use it wisely.

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