Zebra crossing needed at this newly freed space

A section of R.A. de Mel Mawatha (Sri Uttarananda Mawatha) — from St. Michael’s Roundabout to Rotunda Roundabout along Temple Trees — was reopened to the public in October last year after being closed for nearly 19 years due to security concerns.

While this long-awaited reopening has greatly eased public movement, I was concerned to notice yesterday, on my way to the mosque, that there is no pedestrian crossing near the roundabout connecting the Kollupitiya Jumma Mosque (KJM) to the Polwatte Pumping Station (PPS) of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Given the large number of pedestrians, devotees, including children and the elderly who cross this busy stretch regularly, the absence of a zebra crossing poses a serious safety risk. A designated pedestrian crossing at this location would help prevent unfortunate accidents and make the area safer for all road users.

I kindly request the  Mayoress, Ms. V. C. Balthazaar, to kindly authorise Eng. P. A. Chandrapala, Director of Engineering (Traffic, Design, and Road Safety), to arrange for the immediate marking of a zebra crossing from KJM to PPS.

I wish to once again express my sincere gratitude to Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya for reopening this road following my humble request. It has already brought immense benefit to the public, and adding this zebra crossing would make it even more meaningful.  

Mohamed Zahran
Colombo