A new category of beggars has appeared on the scene– those who hang around traffic lights and harass motorists. They weave between the lanes of traffic and knock on the windows of cars and ask for money.
I have noticed that they operate on a shift basis. You even see pregnant women carrying babies begging at traffic lights.
The worst affected spot is the William Grinding Mills junction in Dehiwela. Sometimes these beggars abuse the motorists if they do not get money. At one end of Dickman’s Road is a musician beggar who operates near the traffic lights.
Serious accidents can happen. These beggars can be run over. Also, there is a security risk. Suicide bombers can dress like beggars and hang around traffic lights and wait for their moment.
Why are the traffic police taking no action in this regard? The Deputy Inspector General Traffic should give strict instructions to his men not to tolerate this nonsense, which also interferes with the smooth flow of traffic.
Finally a word to all motorists: Please refrain from giving money to beggars at traffic lights. Do not encourage this practice.
There is a place and time to dole out charity.
P. V. Rajan,
Dehiwala
|
E-mail