March 3, 2013, 8:39 pm


Many who visited the city of Kandy were full of praises of its beauty and majesty, but my visit only disillusioned me. Oh, the city of many past memories still lacks attention in some aspects. The very focus of the city, the sacred area itself, is in total disarray with a military look. Armed guards and iron barricades openly steal the serenity that should prevail unhampered. If the road blocks give way to the traffic past the temple, that would have eased the congestion.

Vehicular churn at the good shed and clock tower areas are the same as it was 15 years ago. Drivers' monopoly reign rampant in these spots. Both these busy places turn in to fields of muddy puddles on rainy days. Carpeting them before the perahera season must be a priority. The sordid look at the entrance to the central market could change to a pleasant scene with a few flower pots or plants.

The name plates of the trees round the lake are nailed to the trees. It looks cruel, but back in the states, two experts on tree care said that it does not harm the trees. Wouldn't they say 'Ouch' when nails are driven in to them? One professional is of the view that the iron in the nails oxidizes in the tree sap and produces ammonia that could dispel caterpillars.

The 'police point' at the base of the royal garden by the lake is hardly seen at night in the dim light of the street lamp. This point needs to be better illuminated for the convenience of the officers and the public. Right there, by the lake stands a 'No Parking' sign which is 18 inches in to the road from the curb. Soon it will be run over by a bus. That spot is a bus stop as well. New fortified curb has been moved giving more space to the road, but sign stands unmoved.

The bathing facility meant for the queen(s) is partially occupied. This innovative building should be fully available to the viewers. The dark lake in the night could be a heavenly scenario if four water fountains could be installed at the island with colour flood lights.

Disasters are waiting to happen on many narrow unprotected roads with deep precipitous sides. A loaded bus going off road beyond Buwelikada could account to a heavy toll.

Thousands of students pour down the Kandy - Peradeniya road after school. Sidewalks with numerous holes and uneven slabs of concrete make it a challenge to go home. This forces students to walk on the road daring the vehicles on this two way cramp. Hope the city fathers are aware of these little things on which the beauty and the majesty of the city depend.

Rufus Randeniya

island.lk