CMC to move distracting digital advertisements

Digital advertisements in Colombo that cause distractions to motorists will be moved to alternative locations, Western Province Governor Azath Salley said yesterday.

The move comes amid reports that digital advertisements have caused more road accidents, and the Colombo Municipality has been directed to move such boards to reduce the rise in mishaps, Mr. Salley said.

“Former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake ruled that advertising spaces in the city could not exceed 20 by10 feet. We request individuals and companies to follow this guideline,” he added.

Further, the Municipal Commissioner has been directed to remove unregulated signs promoting political campaigns.

Mr. Salley said that advertisements promoting political events should be removed immediately after the event. “Advertisements that are politically motivated should not remain after the event is over. They should be removed right after,” he said.

“We have already removed posters and boards without permits. There are 98 advertising spaces in the city, and not all of them have been legally put up,” CMC Commissioner V.K.A Anura said.

The Commissioner added that the Governor had directed them to remove unnecessary posters, especially near schools.

“We have been directed to ensure that posters are pasted only in designated areas and not haphazardly across the city,” he said. (Indika Sri Aravinda)