Kandy gets facelift for perahera

by Nilma Dole

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Renovation work is going on apace in the Kandy town and its suburbs for the upcoming Kandy Esala perahera.

Chief Minister of the Central Province, Sarath Ekanayake said, “The Central Province is getting a facelift to attract visitors for the Kandy perahera”.

This year’s Kandy Esala perahera will be held in the beginning of August.

“Tourists have always been flocking to see the Kandy Esala perahera which is one of the magnificent pageants in the world”, he said.

Kandy Municipal Council Commissioner, Wimalasiri said “a committee has been appointed to look into beautifying the Kandy town and many projects approved are already under way”.

He said that the Road Development Authority (RDA) is tarring the roads all around the Kandy city limits with a strong emphasis on painting more pedestrian crossings. “Even though we ran a trial of the single traffic system which didn’t work in Kandy town, the traffic towards the city will be controlled” he said.

The Urban Council has been restructuring the old waterways and drainage systems, so that the rainwater collection is optimum.

“We are implementing an awareness program together with the hotels and various other enterprises to protect the environment,” he said.

“We have called upon the public to assist in our endeavours to host the Kandy Esala perahera by having alms-givings and setting up ‘dansals’ (provide free meals),” said the Commissioner.

When asked about beautifying the Kandy Lake, he said, “The Department of National Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya has been helping us with the beautification and greening of the Kandy city especially near the Kandy Lake”.