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| Sunday, 17 November 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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No booze, audio, polythene at Sri Pada by CHAMIKARA WEERASINGHE The Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Justice, Law Reforms and National Integration has banned alcohol and the use of any audio equipment in Sri Pada Bhumi during the pilgrimage season starting on December 18. The ministry will also ban the selling and use of polythene and plastic bags with a view to protect the Sri Pada environment. Justice Minister W.J.M. Lokubandara is determined to preserve Sri Pada a very special place of Buddhist worship. He has introduced Sri Pada Environment Conservation Program, and has instructed SSP, Ratnapura Prasanna Nanayakkara and SSP, Hatton M.K.J.D. Meegoda , to take stern action against those who bring, sell or consume liquor while on pilgrimage to Sari Pada during the season. Steps will also be taken to impose cash fines against those who carry liquor to Sri Pada , and those found violating the law will be produced before Courts on charges of illegal transportation of liquor. The ministry has taken these measures in response to requests made by the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada , Ven Handapangoda Wimalanayake Thera and the supervisory body of the Sri Pada Conservation Council. Senior ministry sources said that the use of polythene and plastic bags have also been prohibited by the ministry responding to requests by environment pressure groups and health authorities. As pointed out by these groups , the ill-effects of the damage caused to the mountain domain of Sri Pada and its water resources, so far caused by deposits of polythene, will last for about 20 years. Arrangements will also be made to employ the use of a few loudspeakers at the Sri Pada police post to give instructions to pilgrims on the new rules, sources said. |
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