I went to the Galle Face green after a long time recently. It looks nice with its green grass and whoever did it should be congratulated for a job well done.

There were hundreds of people there on that day - the main reason for their venturing out being power cuts and attendant problems at home. Most of them had brought food and drinks along with them and a lot of litter could be seen around. As it is with Sri Lankans, people never think that they have to visit that place again and therefore the place has to be kept clean.

The place was strewn with many polythene bags and plastic bottles. With hundreds of three wheelers creeping into every possible space, vehicles had go in rounds on end to find some parking space. This points to the need to expand the parking area at the Galle Face Green.

It was nice to see families enjoying themselves with children running here and there in glee.

What I suggest is that liquor should not be allowed here and people should be made to pay a small amount for using this public space. Lankans don’t appreciate anything when given free.

Funds thus raised can be used for maintaining the Galle Face Green. It is such a lovely place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze and the panoramic view - illuminated ships dotting the horizon, stars the moon, the passing clouds, the breaking waves etc. We must not ruin this wonderful place.

C. R. Amarasekara
Colombo 3