Residents object to walking path in Galle Fort

Residents of Galle Fort have raised concerns over a walking path being constructed in this vicinity by the Ministry of Megapolis and Planning, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Archaeological Department.

They claim that the grass turf is being replaced with a granite walking path that runs from Clippenberg Bastion to Flag Rock and onwards to the Galle Fort Lighthouse.

This construction is being carried out with the funds received from the World Bank under its Strategic Cities Development Project.

“Development initiatives are welcome, as the residents also believe the citadel must be preserved for future generations. However none of these plans and approvals have been made available and communicated to the residents as of today, and they were not consulted in the process,” residents claimed.

They claim that the grass turf is being replaced with a granite walking path that runs from Clippenberg Bastion to Flag Rock and onwards to the Galle Fort Lighthouse

According to the residents, the grass turf of the Galle Fort was brought especially from abroad to be grown in the ramparts, while the Galle Fort Ward Municipal Council was in operation during the British colonial period. “It was the grass where “thuththiri” will not grow. The bulls, cows and goats who roamed around freely, naturally maintained the grass level. It was a natural pad of comfort,” the residents said.

According to the workers carrying out the construction, the walkway will be partially paved in stone. However, the paving that is taking place is in close proximity to the residential area, and is likely to result in an increase in the temperature of the houses, residents believe.

“The beauty of the natural greenery will be lost, and impact the livability of the Fort. What used to be a living heritage is being turned into an open-air museum,” the residents further said.