Destruction of a ward in Colombo

In a recent letter to the newspapers Mr. Tissa Devendra pointed out the destruction taking place down Kirula Road in Colombo 5.

Until now there is no public response from the authorities to that very relevant letter. Maybe today there are no public servants who can write an appropriate letter (in English) to the paper. They can at least write in Sinhala. We hear only the sound of silence from our public sector. They simply don’t care.

There was a beautiful ‘island’ on Kirula road in front of the Survey Department. This was nicely landscaped and even had a few shady trees on it. Workers at nearby offices and pedestrians used to sit under these trees and rest. There never was a traffic problem on account of this island. It was a beautiful landmark that gave the road character.

One morning, an engineer at the municipality (or maybe UDA, works department, who knows!) woke up and decided to destroy the island. Today all we have is hot concrete where once there was a mini park.

A few yards up from this site of destruction there is a newly-opened bar destroying the respectability of the entire area. In Kirula Road there are many public institutions, hospitals, government departments, temples and schools in addition to thousands of residents. They have no say.

The bar attracts hundreds of criminal types and undesirables to the area. In the night what happens in and near the bar can be observed by anyone. The bar is apparently being sponsored by a family of a politician. Even under good governance, vice and crime wins because it can buy power. We the voters have to wait patiently for an election to give our opinion.

I request the President, Prime Minister and Mayor to look at this destruction of a Colombo ward and see what is being done to the citizens of Kirula Road, one by insensitive engineers who have no idea of road development and more violently by bar owners with political connections.

Adding insult to injury the bar even runs a Dansala during Poson. That day they do meritorious deeds to earn merit so that they can continue with their thriving business.

J.G. Gunawardena