Dont's when visiting Kandy for perahera

KANDY: The protection of the Kandy city and the lake from pollution during Esala Perahera is the responsibility of all Sri Lankans, says Dr. Ajantha Perera, Founder, National Programme on Recycling of Solid Waste.

In a press release issued yesterday, she said approximately 17 lakhs of Sri Lankans and foreigners visit Kandy during this season to get a glimpse of the perahera.

"Even if each person drops a single toffee wrapper, a single sili sili bag or a single plastic bottle on the streets of Kandy, there will be 17 lakhs of toffee wrappers, 17 lakhs of sili bags and 17 lakhs of plastic bottles along the Kandy streets, she said. "It is the duty of each person and each family to take every precaution to avoid disposing of any form of unwanted matter within the city of Kandy during the Perahera season," she said.

She said when visiting Kandy during the Esala Perahera the visit should be planned.

"Allow children and other family members to take their own bag. The school bag with the school water bottle and school lunch box can be taken. Take much of the food required for the journey. This will prevent stomach upsets. Taking personal items will ensure that you will bring them back home," Dr. Perera said.

She also advised not to take sili sili bags when going to Kandy.

"Do not use the water provided for drinking for washing yourself, avoid buying flowers and food in sili bags, use bins provided to dispose of any unwanted waste, do not throw food into the Kandy Lake and use toilets, Dr. Perera said.