Galle: Now test match with UNESCO

By Isuri Kaviratne and Gamini Mahadura, Pic by Ranjith Perera

The controversy over the new international cricket stadium in Galle and its alleged threat to the area’s heritage city status continues with the Urban Development Ministry now assuring that a pavilion will be rebuilt to conform with the heritage status recognised by the UNESCO.

The controversial pavilions.

Urban Development Ministry Secretary P. Ramanujam said the stadium and the pavilion named last week after President Mahinda Rajapaksa were built in a rush due to this week’s test match and the rebuilding would take place soon. Meanwhile a UNESCO spokesman told the Sunday Times that a decision would be taken whether to de-list the Galle site from the heritage list or not by considering the actions of the authorities after the match.

“The UDA gave the assurance that the unauthorised construction would be removed after the match,” he said. Adding to the controversy, Galle Mayor Kelum Seneviratne told The Sunday Times the municipal council had unanimously decided not to demolish the pavilion which was constructed on an plan approved by the UDA.