Jayatilleke Park neglected by authorities

The Jayatilleke Park was constructed at a colossal expense by the Panadura Urban Council and has been in a dilapidated condition due to neglect and misuse.

Residents said most of the facilities in the park had deteriorated. They added that the Jayatilleka Park was the only such place available for children to spend their leisure time and to engage in recreational activities.

They pointed out that even the toilet fittings had been removed by thieves due to the failure of the authorities to provide adequate security. The see-saws, swings and other playground fixtures have been left to the mercy of the shrub jungle and are no longer used.

A resident, Amarasiri Ediriweera (45), said the park was now the haven of gangsters. “When asked, officials said watchers had been deployed to take care of the park but that they were never seen on duty. We can’t take a child to the park since it isn’t safe. Our complaints to the UC in this regard have been ignored by officials. The UC is now under a special commissioner who should look into the neglected facilities in the town. Meanwhile, many individuals use the park to host drinking parties. Drivers and motorcyclists use it as a parking lot” he said.

Area residents requested the authorities to restore this park to its former state, at the time of its construction during the time of former UC Chairman Asoka Jayatilleke. However, Secretary of the UC Nelu Nishanthi Iddagoda said she would look into the public’s complaints in this regard and take steps to improve Jayatilleka Park. The see-saws, swings and other playground fixtures have been left to the mercy of the shrub jungle and are no longer used