Mt.Lavinia Magistrate Harsha Setunge put off the decision on an interim order sought by the Dehiwala Police against the erection of a Pandal at Dehiwala Station Road during Vesak and issued notice on DIG (Western Province) to appear in Court today (16).

The respondents in this case are Mayor of Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council Renuka Ranasinghe, President of the Eksath Velanda Sangamaya (United Traders Society) Dhammika Kodituwakku and Max Media Network.

The Pandal an annual event, is being erected by the traders society with the approval of the Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council and is nearing completion.

OIC, Dehiwala Police Ranjith Kottachi raised objections to the erection of the Pandal on the around it would be a public nuisance. He submitted that the erection would hinder both pedestrian and traffic movements on Station Road. He further submitted that Police are unable to provide adequate security coverage for the expected crowds during Vesak.

The Defence queried why Police are unable to provide adequate security to the Station Road Pandal when during Vesak, Pandals are erected in such important locations viz. Colombo Port, Temple Trees and also at the Gangarama Temple.

In reply to a query by the defence, ASP S. M. Jayatileke said that the issues arising from the erection of the Pandal were not notified to the DIG for further instructions.

Attorneys-at-Law Upul Jayasuriya, Athula Ranagala, Nimal Siriwardena appeared for the respondents. Attorney-at-Law Leena de Silva represented the Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council.