Govt. bans political meetings, musical shows at Galle Face Green from tomorrow

• Extends permission only for special religious observances

The Government has decided to ban political meetings, rallies and musical shows at Galle Face Green from tomorrow (20).

The move was unanimously approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday, and to preserve the Galle Face Green for the public only to spend time leisurely.

However, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to give permission only for special religious observances and not any other events at Galle Face Green. 

The proposal to this effect submitted by the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was approved by the Cabinet Ministers on Monday.

Sri Lanka Port Authority has taken over the development of Galle Face Green under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project and a total of Rs. 220 million has been allocated for this purpose.

“A total of Rs. 6.6 million was also spent just to repair the property damages caused during the ‘Aragalaya’ protest,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said permission will not be granted for any musical shows, political gatherings or rallies at the Galle Face Green premises which may not only cause damages to its allure but also to the environment around.