Although many letters to the editor and articles have been written on
the problems the Galle Fort, the 38th Heritage Site is facing, no
meaningful steps have so far been taken to put an end to the destruction
and deterioration that is taking place. At least Mubarak's recent letter
should jolt the authorities and the people from the slumber and apathy
that we have evidenced.
The need of the hour is to put an immediate end to foreign purchase
of prime property where Galle Fort is. It is akin to selling family
silver for short-sighted monetary gain.
Can a small country like Sri Lanka afford to alienate land for that
matter - an invaluable portion of it to foreigners.
A critical analysis of the foreign purchase of land and property in
this cherished monument reveals that it has not brought any significant
benefits in its wake either to the people or the country.
As we learnt, hardly any purchase has been subjected to the 100 per
cent levy. Moreover, the foreign run hotels and motels do not benefit
the country by way of foreign exchange as we understand that they are
invoiced overseas by the owners or their agents.
Most of the foreigners who have purchased properties do not live in
the Fort permanently nor have they made any noteworthy contribution to
the social or cultural welfare of the locals.
The few who live there lead an exclusive and detached life from the
rest of society. Some of the properties bought by the foreigners have
been put up for re-sale. Such buying and re-sale induce suspicions of
money laundering.
Most hotels, motels and bars have sprung up in highly residential
parts of the Fort. In some cases they have been opened close to places
of worship and schools.
Renovations and reconstructions of buildings are carried out with
scant respect for neighbours' rights and privacy. As Mubarak rightly
alleges, the Galle Fort is gradually losing its old world charm in the
midst of the hustle and bustle.
I conclude with the fervent hope that this and the previous letters
highlighting the problem of this world renowned monument do not go
unnoticed by the authorities.
Let's save the only world heritage site in Southern Sri Lanka from
being converted into an exclusive foreign enclave.
RIAZ ISMAIL, Dehiwala
In letters to the Editor on the 29, a Mr. Wilson refers to a place
called Colpetty. There is no such place in Sri Lanka.
I am unaware of a Colpetty Police Station, a Colpetty Railway
Station, a Colpetty Post Office etc.
It is time the Westernised elite in Sri Lanka realise that we are no
longer in the colonial era when Thangalla was Tangalle, Kegulla was
Kerni Galle etc.
Kollupitiya has been so for decades now and it is time people learnt
the correct names even though they may long for a bygone era of the
British Raj.
We should take India as a worthy example. They changed Madras to
Chennai, Bombay to Mumbai and are so proud to use the local names unlike
us Sri Lankans who still love anything as long as it is not 'native'.
DR. ANTON SAMARAWEERA
A stalemate between the Kandy CEB and the Kandy Municipal Council
over a payment issue has resulted in the residents of Galawatta,
Katugastota being subject to total darkness in the streets for the past
six months.
The Galawatta-Kahalla Road intersection is experiencing minor
incidents on a regular basis.
As ratepayers, we urge the authorities to take immediate action
before something untoward takes place due to poor lighting.
This intersection forms the entry point to the Kahalla village, and
many female workers use this route after sunset.
Over to you Commissioner, Kandy Municipal Council.
GALWATTA RESIDENT
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