Kataragama bus stand in darkness

by Jaliya WIJEYAKOON

The main bus stand of the sacred city of Kataragama has been in total darkness during the past few weeks due to the non-payment of electricity bill amounting to over Rs. 88,000. Pilgrims visiting Kataragama Devala from distant places of the country as well as the regular commuters are heavily inconvenienced as a result and their constant complaints had fallen on deaf ears.

SLTB Depot Manager of Kataragama E.M. Somaweera told the Sunday Observer that the ownership of the main bus stand premises was vested with the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha by a court order issued in 2009 and since then the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha had been paying the electricity bill. But of late they had stopped paying the bill hence the supply has been disconnected by the electricity board.

E.M. Somaweera said that there are two different long sheds for SLTB and private bus operators and both sheds are illuminated from electricity though a single metre. "If a new metre is installed to illuminate only the SLTB shed, we can reconsider paying the electricity bill," he said.

Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Chanaka Anil Rangana said that the SLTB derives the entire income from the bus stand and it is their duty to pay for the common amenities of the premises without trotting out lame excuses.

The tug-of-war between the two parties have caused severe inconvenience to all stakeholders and this situation leads to various nefarious activities at night.