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| Sunday, 29 December 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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A person with cannabis fined Rs. 3,000 : Police tough on errant Sri Pada pilgrims A Sri Pada pilgrim with cannabis arrested by the Maskeliya police and produced before the Maskeliya Magistrate court, was found guilty and fined Rs. 3,000. In another incident, several temporary stall holders were taken into custody by the Hatton police for illegally felling trees at the Sri Pada site. Hatton HQI, E. M. Karunathilaka told the "Sunday Observer" that no action has been taken against them stall-holders but warned them not to use government property for business purposes. Maskeliya police Chief Inspector, Chulani Weeraratne, said that since the Sri Pada season began no major unlawful incidents had occurred except a few minor offences in the vicinity of the holy site. He said around 200 policemen have been already assigned to maintain law and order in Maskeliya, Hatton, Pelmadulla, Ginigathhena and Maussakelle areas with a special unit in the interior of Sri Pada to monitor the behaviour of pilgrims. Pilgrims coming to Sri Pada from every nook and corner of the country have strictly adhered to the government request "not to pollute the environment". They have avoided using polythene bags for food and other personal belongings and have instead preferred leather or home-made bags. According to Maskeliya Government Agent, around 5,000 to 7,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Sri Pada in February 2003 and more police officers will be deployed to protect the holy site from hooligans. D A W |
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