By Siri Abayasiri in Matale
A construction project has been initiated that compromises the value of the ancient lamp post located in the center of Matale, in observance of Queen Victoria of Great Britain’s visit to Sri Lanka.
This old lamp post with archeological significance was located near the zonal Education Office in Matale to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign between 1837 and 1897 for about 165 years.
The lamp tower, a representation of Matale’s beauty and antiquity, is being destroyed, and billboards and a tower for a private phone company has presently taken its place.
Under the direction of former Army Commander and Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva, it was planned to build a hockey monument at this location, which is regarded as the birthplace of hockey in Sri Lanka.
However, permission was denied due to the location’s archaeological significance.
A complaint over the additional constructions being done there has also been made to the Matale Police by Mr. Roshan de Silva, a former Municipal Councilor.
Customs have detected 228 mobile phones and tabs valued at over Rs 30 million left behind in the duty free shopping complex at the Banaranaike International Airport today, Customs officials said.
Read this week’s Sunday Times for your interesting articles including the ’’5th Column’’.
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