The decision to re-name part of Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (formerly known as Green Path) to ‘Nelum Pokuna Mawatha’ following the opening of the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Performing Arts Theatre has not been well received.Several persons have written to newspapers expressing their displeasure and opposing the re-naming of the road.
The road was named in memory of the Sri Lankan-born art historian Ananda Coomaraswamy --a well-known philosopher and writer on visual arts, aesthetics, literature and language.
The Art Gallery, and the Mahaweli Centre are among some of the aesthetic centres situated along the road known for the works of art contained in the buildings.
A gazette notification regarding the proposed change of name was issued by the Municipal Commissioner Bandrani Jayawardena on December 08.
Ms. Jayawardena told the Sunday Times the decision to re-name the road was taken consequent to a request made by the President’s Secretary.
“…Only part of Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha would be re-named Nelum Pokuna Mawatha. The decision to re-name a road was taken in consultation with the Chief Minister of the Western Province who is empowered to take such decisions under the Municipal Ordinance” she said.
The Nelum Pokuna Mawatha starts from Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha (near the Sri Lanka Tennis Association) and ends near No.86 and 110, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha and Dr. C.W.W.Kannangara Mawatha.
The road towards Duplication Road continues to be known as Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha.
‘Horton Roundabout’ at Dr. C.W.W.Kannagara Mawatha between Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha and Horton Place also has been re-named as ‘Nelum Pokuna Roundabout.’ |
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