Govt. responds to Daily Mirror report

In response to Daily Mirror lead story headlined ‘Govt. goes strict on Galle Face, the government’s information department referred to the Cabinet decision.   

The department said,”It has been decided at the cabinet meeting on 17.04. 2023 that the Galle Face ground which is under the management and administration of Sri Lanka Ports Management and Consultation Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka Ports Authority, will not be granted for other purposes other than religious purposes. It has to incur a monthly cost of Rs 2.5 million to Rs 3 million for the administration and maintenance of Galle Face grounds, as it can be seen that the ground can be used as an attractive and secure place for local and foreign tourists to traverse freely as well as a place where people can be allowed to participate in musical shows, 

festivals and celebrations subject to criteria which existed prior to 2023, the cabinet of ministers have granted approval for a paper presented by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation to take necessary steps to make the administration of Galle Face systematic and transparent under the concept of ‘Clean and Greenery Galle Face Ground’.