News
Anti-social criminals wreak havoc on public spaces
A. M. D. Atapattu
Anti-social behaviour in the form of criminal damage, or vandalism in other words, continues unabated in Sri Lanka.
A sociologist says such criminal acts directed against public property are largely the result of a lack of respect for the law in the island and a culture of dishonesty.
Destruction of public property, whether it be ripping off seats in buses or damaging fixtures on trains and toilets, also comes with a monetary cost.
Kelaniya Divisional Secretary, Pubudika S. Bandara said there are instances when drivers damage newly-laid concrete roads before they are ready for use. There are those who remove barriers and drive through before the surface dries up. “Now they complain that the new road has cracks and puddles have formed,” she said.
She also notes complaints about school gates and walls being sprayed with paint and obscene graffiti and imagery.
“The school and Pradeshiya Sabha have to spend money to remove the graffiti,’’ she said.
She said vandals have no respect for public property. Schools should educate students about the value of public property.
“We have laws to punish vandals, but to stop continuing vandalism, education is necessary.’’
The Station Master at the Mt Lavinia railway station, K A Saman Kumara has witnessed acts of vandalism. “If a bench is swaying, commuters rock the bench until it breaks.’’ There are those who remove taps, and throw bottles into toilets.
An employee at the Bandarawela railway station said toilets are being destroyed by those who throw bottles into the toilet bowls. Some deface the walls and others break the taps. Worse, the subway connecting the railway station to the Sri Lankan Transport Board bus terminal is being used as a public toilet by men.
The General Secretary of the Locomotive Engineers Union, D H Indika, said vandals scrape the paint inside carriages and write obscene graffiti. Light fittings are stolen.
“The lights in trains are all interconnected and cannot be used in houses yet people steal them,’’ he said. Some train users force the oscillating fans to move and damage them.
Ventilation fixtures in train toilets and plastic taps are stolen.
Vandals cause destruction despite the presence of two guards and two security officers on board.
All Ceylon Railway Union, chairman, S P Vithanage said vandals have nothing to gain by tearing up seats and breaking armrests.
The Sunday Times learns that groups of foreigners as well as some locals spray train carriages when trains stop at rural locations.
The manger of the Fort central SLTB bus terminal said that out of 1,400 buses that move in and out every day, one or two are vandalised.
Driver M A B Ashok Kumara has noticed people plugging the air-conditioner vents inside buses with paper.
A mechanic at the SLTB garage, A M D Atapattu said two to three buses have to be repaired because of damage.
Repairs including a paint job and lighting fixtures could cost Rs 10,000.
Atapattu estimates Rs 360,000 would be needed to replace seat cushions on a 60-seater bus.
Kelaniya University, Senior lecturer, Sociology Department Dr. L. D. Sarath Witharana said vandalism is intertwined with society, culture, and politics.
“Everyone thinks the government should take care of public property, while they can get away with anything.’’
There is lack of respect for the law. Besides, Dr Witharana, says there is a culture of cheating to gain admission to schools, to get university scholarships and the like. These erode public trust in government.
The Officer In Charge of the Wellampitiya Police, Chief Inspector Sampath Sanath Sanjeewa, said there have been cases of drug addicts causing vandalism. He said perpetrators who are charged, could be fined or imprisoned.
The many faces of vandalism: From torn off passenger seats on a train to graffiti on walls and railway carriages. Pix by Athula Devapriya