The bar down Kirula Road, Colombo 5

In this hallowed month, it may be useful to reflect on the number of dansalas being sponsored by organisations such as liquor bars and massage parlours. Now the standard fare at these places is manioc or ice-cream (not arrack and a “bite”).

This generosity to the general public is in addition to regular patronage offered by the operators of these dens to religious institutions of the neighbourhood. Apparently, even in such a squalid industry, there is thought on the impermanence of life and the hereafter! 

We, the long-term residents, have no idea how a bar came to be established in the middle of the extremely busy Kirula Road. This is a road that is used by thousands every day. There are schools, Government departments, kindergartens, special help schools, temples, churches within a stone’s throw. In addition this is a very residential area, hundreds of families with growing children. The famous Press Institute is right next door.

In the circumstances, how was the license to do this business obtained? The common explanation is politics – a smart chameleon that has changed colours according to the political swings. Besides, the owners are themselves said to be in politics – and there are voters for them too!

That aside, this is not a place for all the notoriety that comes with a liquor bar. In the evenings, brawls and other criminal activity prevails. In the morning, among the litter, it is the stench of vomit and urine that prevails.

We pray to the authorities to open their eyes to the destruction of an entire area of Colombo, the greatest blessing they can do for the residents of Colombo 5.

R. Perera