News
A law unto themselves
Thugs have taken over parking slots in many of the areas of Colombo city, causing inconvenience to motorists. In areas demarcated as public parking, thugs have become ‘traffic wardens’ and charge varying rates for parking.
In the event motorists fail to agree to their demands they turn abusive. ‘If we do not agree to park at the location they indicate, they try and force us to agree to their orders. If we refuse, they turn abusive or bang on the car’, Suranjith Perera, a motorist in Colombo said.
Our photographer was able to capture these instances where ad hoc parking assistants charge motorists for parking vehicles.
The Western Provincial Council recently passed a resolution prohibiting the charging of parking fees from customers, and includes parking space provided by super markets, private hospitals, private banks etc.
A hooligan rushes up to collect 'his due' as a motoristprepares to leave from a designated parking area
Young or old you have to pay
A motorist pays up
No questions: Sri Lankans are used to taking orders
An unofficial 'traffic warden' directs a motorist to a parking spot near a popular religious place of worship