Strict action against Sri Pada polluters

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry yesterday warned the public to refrain from carrying plastic, paper, plastic cans and liquor bottles on their visits to the sacred Sri Pada. The annual Sri Pada season begins tomorrow (Full Moon Poya Day).

Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S.M. Chandrasena told the Sunday Observer yesterday that a special team will be deployed to supervise persons carrying banned items when climbing the sacred mountain.

He said strict action would be taken against those who pollute Sri Pada precincts and destroy wildlife.

The Minister also instructed officials to keep a close tab on persons carrying radios, cassette players, drums and other musical instruments while climbing the mountain.

According to the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada Temple, over 50,000 people including foreigners climb the sacred mountain every month and a record number of over 200,000 visitors are expected during February and March. The Ven. Thera said facilities including meals and health services would be provided for visitors by several social service organisations during the Sri Pada season which ends in May next year.

Meanwhile, a senior Transport Ministry official said the Sri Lanka Railways and Sri Lanka Transport Board have deployed special train and bus services for people travelling to Sri Pada from other parts of the country.