A decision has been taken to relocate beggars from Galle Face Green in Colombo to the Social Services Rehabilitation Centre in Ridiyagama, Hambantota, it was reported.
According to NewsFirst, the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation following complaints over public harassment caused by beggars at the Galle Face Green.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva revealed about 150 beggars at the Galle Face Green are allegedly inconveniencing the public, including locals and foreign tourists.
Thereby, the Ministry has instructed the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lanka Police to oversee this joint initiative, while the Ports Authority and affiliated institutions have also been directed to allocate funds for this project under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Minister Nimal Siripala further stated that these funds will provide accommodation, food, and other necessary facilities to the beggars who will be transferred to the rehabilitation centre. (NewsWire)