No street light, public safety at risk

The street light located directly opposite No. 15A, Rheinland Place, Colombo 3—on the stretch between Sri Kotha Lane and Alfred Place—has been out of order for several months. This continued malfunction has made the area noticeably unsafe at night for residents, employees of the nearby apparel giant Brandix (Pvt) Ltd., pedestrians (particularly women), motorists, and others who regularly use this road.  Its proximity to the seaside further compounds the issue, as the dimly lit environment creates an unsettling atmosphere and heightens the risk of opportunistic crime. The absence of a functioning street light leaves the community vulnerable and undermines public safety.

 I urge the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Mayoress  Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar and the relevant authorities to attend to this matter promptly by replacing the burnt-out bulb without further delay.

CEB and CMC at loggerheads regarding  Street light 

Despite numerous reminders sent via email, telephone calls, and WhatsApp messages, this particular streetlight has yet to be repaired. It has remained non-functional for over six months  or even more.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) states that the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has a substantial outstanding payment, while the CMC maintains that payment is required for excavation work. As a result of this ongoing dispute between the two institutions, the streetlight remains unattended.

I respectfully bring this matter to your kind attention and request that you use your good offices to resolve the issue and restore the streetlight at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo