The Cabinet of Ministers has decided not to grant permission to use Galle Face Green for shows, political meetings or other activities that will damage the beauty of the grounds from the 20th of April.
The Sri Lanka Port Authority has undertaken to develop the Galle Face Green as a social responsibility (CSR) project, and the Authority has spent about 220 million rupees for the development work that has been done so far, a statement on cabinet decisions said.
The Cabinet noted that 6.6 million rupees have been spent for the repairs of property damage that have occurred during last year’s Aragalaya protests alone.
The Galle Face Green is supposed to be maintained so that the public can spend their free time, but the grounds are often damaged by musical performances and other activities involving large gatherings of people, making it difficult to maintain the beauty and scenic nature of the premises.
Therefore, with effect from 20th April, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided not to grant permission except for religious activities to use Galle Face Green for musical performances, political meetings or other activities that damage the beauty of the grounds.