Independence Square walking path begins renovation

Renovation work has now begun on the walking path located at Independence Square, which had been severely dilapidated for many years due to lack of proper maintenance. It is reported that due to the prolonged dilapidated state of this path, many people, especially the elderly, who used it were at high risk of various accidents.

Commenting on this matter via social media, Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva pointed out that the relevant authorities had not paid any attention to the deteriorating condition of this path until now. However, the MP expressed his happiness that the authorities have now woken up and taken steps to commence renovation work, even if it was after he publicized the issue through social media.

Commenting on this situation, Colombo Mayor Vrai Kalli Balthazar stated that she would inform the Urban Development Authority as well as the Minister of Urban Development regarding the issue. Appreciating the MP for raising this issue on social media, she said that she too agrees there is a strong need to properly renovate the path and maintain it well.

Meanwhile, Colombo Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerakoon made a special clarification on this matter, stating that the walking path at Independence Square does not fall directly under the purview of the Colombo Municipal Council. He emphasized that although the majority of the public believe this place belongs to the Municipal Council, its actual control lies with the Urban Development Authority. The Deputy Mayor further pointed out that although the Municipal Council frequently receives complaints from the general public, the actual ownership of many roads and lands in the city belongs to the Urban Development Authority, the Railway Department, or the Road Development Authority.