Shangri-La Green now part of Galle Face Green
In a move that shocked most people, the Cabinet has decided not to allow political gatherings, rallies and musical shows at Galle Face Green from April 20.
The Government defended the decision, noting that Rs. 6.6 million had to be spent to repair Galle Face Green due to the damage during last year’s aragalaya period. It said from April 20 onwards, Galle Face Green will be used exclusively for the people to relax, enjoy the scenic beauty and watch sunsets.
There was much speculation over the sudden move. Some suspected it was hastily put in place to prevent any rival political parties applying to hold rallies at Galle Face on May Day. Others insisted it must be an attempt to thwart any future protests planned to commemorate the attack on peaceful protesters on May 9 last year.
Presidential Media Division (PMD) officials also appeared to be surprised by the decision. Last Sunday, the PMD announced that the Statesponsored “Wasath Siriya 2023” National New Year celebration would be held at Galle Face Green on April 22. However, with last Tuesday’s Cabinet decision to ban such events at the venue, seemed to have thrown the PMD officials into confusion.
Soon after the Cabinet decision was announced, a hastily sent SMS from the PMD claimed that “Wasath Siriya 2023” National New Year celebrations would be held at the “Shangri-La Green” on April 22.
Some journalists voiced amusement at the way the PMD had hurriedly spelled what should be “Wasath Siriya” in English as “Wasath Syria,” and wondered why the PMD was mentioning the war-ravaged West Asian country in a message about a New Year celebration in Sri Lanka.
Others also pointed out the PMD was stating the event will now be held at “Shangri-La Green.” It was the first time they had heard the area in front of Shangri-La hotel being referred to as such.
Other Government agencies were even slower to get the memo. A tweet put out by the official Twitter account of Sri Lanka Tourism on Wednesday still said that “Wasath Siriya 2023” will be held at Galle Face Green. A subsequent tweet put up a few hours later clarified that the event would be held at Shangri-La Green.