ATTEMPTS TO DRIVE OUT SIGIRIYA FOLK IN GUISE OF DIVERSE PROJECTS

The Sigiriya the rock fortress, which was built during King Kasyapa's reign, is a world heritage city. However this heritage city has turned into a squalid town much to the dismay of the residents of the area. Those who are affected by this environmental hazard include thousands of people who are depending on tourism and allied trades.

- By Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

The grieved parties point out that the trade stalls in the new town have been in a dilapidated state, tarnishing the image of this exquisite tourist destination. The public toilets in the new town pose an eyesore and provide a choking feeling due to the nauseating smell that they produce. These toilets have been neglected and are in need of maintenance and regular cleaning.

Meanwhile, herds of wild elephants roam into the town at dusk endangering the life of the people including tourists. Residents of the area point out that they have been facing the threat of wild elephants since long.

Sigiriya was declared a world heritage in1983 by the UNESCO, but even the plaque installed to mark the occasion has been left to the shrub jungle.