News
Races over but the mess stays
Almost a week after the Colombo Night Races were conducted, some of the hundreds of filled sacks used in safety barricades lay for many days on the streets, with some having toppled over, causing risks to motorists. The race brought no revenue to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) – a Rs 3 million loss – given Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga’s decision to waive the entertainment tax due to the council.
Few accidents were reported although the event was held under wet conditions. Hospital sources said at least three persons were including a Brigadier on observation duty were rushed to the National Hospital accident ward and treated for minor injuries.
The holding of the races in the heart of the city has drawn criticism from bus operators and three-wheeler drivers who were forced to take extended routes due to traffic diversions.
Drivers reported that peak-hour and night travel in Pettah had been difficult this week due to the barricade sacks lying on the roads.
All-Island Three Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITDU) President Lalith Dharmasekera said the fallen sandbags and tyres could topple a three-wheeler and harm passengers inside. He said that the roads should have been cleared right after the conclusion of the races.
Event organiser Carlton Motor Sports Club said it was the responsibility of race sponsors to clear away the gunny bags and tyres.
“The Colombo Night Races have a direct impact on three-wheeler drivers since the exclusive crowd that attends the races, apart from a few, use their own vehicles to drive off after the event, leaving many three-wheeler drivers without hires,” said Mr. Dharmasekara.
Lanka Private Bus Owners Association LPBOA) President W. M. G. R Wijerathne said concessions should be given to buses for being forced to take longer routes to Pettah during race week due to the traffic diversions.
“The authorities need to take initiatives that would be beneficial not only to the event organisers but the public and public services as well,” Mr. Wijerathne said.
Chief Minister Ranatunga admitted the event had disrupted public routines for three days but asked people to view the effort as an investment made to the city to develop its infrastructure and tourism.
The night races were attracting foreign travellers and would boost tourism to Sri Lanka, he said, adding: “These events not only support the government or the municipal council to develop the infrastructure of Colombo but provide the three-wheeler drivers and buses with many hires throughout the event as well”.
Reacting to opposition statements about the waiver of the entertainment tax Mr Ranatunga pointed out that tax exemptions had been given to other sports as well, such as cricket and football, in order to encourage and develop sports in the country.
Despite the entertainment tax waiver, Carlton Motor Sports Club Secretary Jaliya Jayasekara said the club had had to deposit Rs 2.9 million with the CMC in line with the tax regulations. The Sunday Times learns the money was placed in a refundable deposit.
Confirming the club secretary’s comment, a top CMC official said that although the entertainment tax was exempted from the event, a condition of the entertainment tax regulation was that event organisers had to pay the CMC a refundable deposit equal to the sum they would have paid as tax.
The deposit is based on the estimated value of tickets to be sold. When the accounts are finalised the deposit will be returned minus 10 per cent, which will stay with the CMC.