Joint initiative to curb harassment by beggars at Galle Face Green

26 June 2023 04:10 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A decision has been taken to relocate beggars from the Galle Face Green in Colombo to the Social Services Rehabilitation Center in Ridiyagama in the Hambantota District, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

The minister said reports have indicated that the increasing number of beggars at Galle Face Green has become a significant issue to those visiting the area, including local residents, tourists, the youths and families.

"The number of beggars has noticeably increased in the vicinity where local residents, tourists from abroad, young individuals and families with children gather for leisure and relaxation. It is estimated that approximately 150 beggars at Galle Face Green are inconveniencing the visitors throughout the week, making it a pressing social concern as highlighted in reports," he said.

Visitors have been provided with sanitary and other necessary facilities at the Galle Face Green. However, the Ministry has received complaints regarding public harassments caused by beggars at the Green.

Hence, as a proactive solution, it has been decided to relocate these beggars to the Social Services Rehabilitation Center in Ridiyagama, in the Hambantota District.

The Ministry has instructed both the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Police Department to oversee the implementation of this joint initiative.

Meanwhile, the Minister has issued directives to the SLPA and affiliated institutions to allocate funds for this project under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These funds are intended to provide essential accommodation, food and other necessary facilities to beggars who are to be transferred to the Ridiyagama Center. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)

Comments - 21

sam Monday, 26 June 2023 04:34 PM

What about those inconveniencing motorists at traffic lights?

Capitalist Monday, 26 June 2023 04:40 PM

Increasing number of beggars on the roads indicate nothing but extreme poverty. With the present situation the country , this has to be expected. Nimal is concerned only about the beggars at the GFG, ? When he passes traffic lights he doesn't see the beggars as he may be fast asleep !

Hassanda Monday, 26 June 2023 04:43 PM

Not only in Galle Face Green Please Stop these beggars at the Traffic Signals its a dangerous to the motorists Please do the needful Much appreciated

Sam Silva Monday, 26 June 2023 05:30 PM

Our country also a begger and living on begging.

Sivalingam Monday, 26 June 2023 05:35 PM

At supermarkets also.

Punchi Monday, 26 June 2023 05:51 PM

Don’t forget a beggar in south India sometime back donated some money to feed our starving

Ray Silva Monday, 26 June 2023 06:16 PM

Beggers are everywhere not just Galle Face, many are crooks must be dealt with according, others must be looked after by the authorities

Tissa Fernando Monday, 26 June 2023 06:26 PM

Relocate all beggers around Medamidula in Hambantota, the clan living there can make these beggers rich and give them everything they need for several generations.

Silva Monday, 26 June 2023 06:30 PM

thinking only of the inconveniences for you is the wrong approach. What if you have a family to feed, no job and no support from the government. Should one just stay at home and die quietly without disturbing anyone? It is fear, hunger, desperation which brings this people to public places. Mostly people which don't have much give something. There is no big limousine stopping to give a few hundred rupies to them.

Mohan Monday, 26 June 2023 06:49 PM

In the UK, begging is illegal, but they have a system to support the jobless. Though we can't afford to have such a system, the government should at least look into the physical and mental condition of beggars and the homeless people and either offer them some sort of jobs if they are fit, or provide them with basic needs such as food and shelter.

Vivil rodrigo Monday, 26 June 2023 06:52 PM

This problem is a headache and a nuisance something have to be done thank you

Anne Monday, 26 June 2023 06:57 PM

Capitalist: Most of these beggars are professional beggars who have exploited the generosity of the public and not genuine people in need.

Love LK Monday, 26 June 2023 07:11 PM

Why people beg ? Find out reasons? There are genuine people to beg but there fake ones as well. Some of them may have a lot in their banks and houses . I don't mind to help them but instead of giving money buy them food parcels or any groceries

Dee Monday, 26 June 2023 07:12 PM

Relocating them will be a big issue. Some of them own multiple houses and even cars which they rent out to those running cab services. They do earn quite a sum, much more than those tie wearing types. Of course there are genuine ones who are in dire straits. But they won’t stand a chance at organized sites such as GFG!

Ceylonese Monday, 26 June 2023 07:51 PM

What abouf those who harass people for votes, if they too taken away, the country could be a better place.

Gaston Monday, 26 June 2023 09:04 PM

Yes. Damn menace. Can see babies and kids exploited in this begging racket

Ajit Monday, 26 June 2023 10:50 PM

They are following the example set by our leaders and President. Begging is is synonymous with Sri Lanka like corruption, so it's not a new phenomenon.

Gb Monday, 26 June 2023 11:14 PM

Genuine beggars should be helped with education and job placements, not as trash collectors but something that can help them and their families come out of poverty, with food prices sky high they need help, gov needs to provide cheaper foods for genuine people who can't afford it in alot of countries there are food banks who provide free food to people, government is only focused on how they cam enrich their own families and friends, gov needs to work for all people, rich or poor, friend or not

dv Tuesday, 27 June 2023 03:17 AM

People who lost their self worth goes around begging from others ..and people who feel they are fringe dwellers .may be used by a mafia too..Rounding them up and taking them far away is this an answer?Is the Minister looking at this problem as a human one ,to be resolved to uplift the downtrodden or just an embarrassment when we show case our country ?..A contrast in the scenery of the affluent Colombo .

Citizens Tuesday, 27 June 2023 08:03 AM

Stop them from harassing passengers in busses, trains, in front of bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets etc etc the list is endless. Indeed begging and beggars/thieves have increased by the hundreds and it only shows the poverty and sufferings of the nation..

Richard McNeil Tuesday, 27 June 2023 11:31 AM

Surely this must be a short term fix! Better economic management of social services nation wide be the answer.

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Joint initiative to curb harassment by beggars at Galle Face Green

Comments - 21

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