Galle Face beggars to be relocated to Hambantota

• They have become a public harassment to those visiting Galle Face Green 

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

It has been decided to relocate beggars from Galle Face Green in Colombo to the Social Services Rehabilitation Centre in Ridiyagama, which is located in the Hambantota District, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.   

The minister said, reports have shown that the increasing number of beggars at Galle Face Green has become a significant issue for visitors to the area, including local residents, tourists, young individuals and families. “The number of beggars has noticeably risen in the vicinity where local residents, tourists from abroad, young individuals and families with children gather for leisure and relaxation. 

 It is estimated that approximately 150 beggars at Galle Face Green are causing numerous disturbances to the visitors throughout the week, making it a pressing social concern as highlighted in the reports,” he said.   
The Galle Face Green premises have also provided visitors with sanitary and other necessary facilities. However, the Ministry has received complaints regarding the public harassments caused by beggars at the Green.   
Accordingly, as a proactive solution, it has been decided that these beggars will be relocated to the Social Services Rehabilitation Centre in Ridiyagama, in the Hambantota District. The Ministry has instructed on the implementation of a joint programme by both the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Police Department to oversee this initiative.   

Meanwhile, the minister has issued directives for the SLPA and affiliated institutions to allocate funds for this, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These funds are intended to provide essential accommodation, food, and other necessary facilities for beggars to be transferred, at the Ridiagama Centre. 

• Directives have been issued by the Ministry to SLPA and affiliated institutions to allocate funds