Thousands brave rain to visit tunnel

Asela Kuruluwansha and S K Samaranayeka

People in their numbers have visited the Upper Kothmale Hydro Power Plant tunnel within the past three days. According to Police statistics about 300,000 have visited the site. Arrangements have been made to establish entrances from Dansithan and Niyangandora due to the difficulty of controlling the large crowds through Talawakele entrance, said Power and Energy Ministry Coordinating Secretary Thushara Swarnathilake.

People braved heavy showers in Talawakele area and about a three kilometer long queue comprised of people coming from various regions of the island were seen at the entrances. A special security program has been arranged to ensure the security of the crowd, said Central Province Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne.

The Ceylon Electricity Board is providing special transport facilities for the people to go into the tunnel. The tunnel extends for about 13 kilometres and it is an astonishing creation after the ancient era of kings in the country.

The people extended their gratitude for President Mahinda Rajapaksa for giving them the opportunity to see the tunnel. Swarnatillake said the tunnel will be open for public for five days again from November 17. The priority will be given for schoolchildren in school uniforms. Only about 15,000 people obtain the chance to see the tunnel per day.