Court Issues order to preventing the erection of Vesak Pandal

Mt.Lavinia Magistrate Harsha Setunge yesterday issued an order preventing the erection of a Vesak pandal on Dehiwela Station Road on an application made by Dehiwala Police.

Police made the application citing the "Public Nuisance" Laws.The Magistrate allowing the application prohibited any construction taking place at Station Road’s ‘Vesak Zone’.

Earlier, notice was issued on DIG (Western Province) to appear in Court yesterday. Chief Inspector Wasalatantri representing the DIG submitted that buses ply along Station Road. In addition, government buildings are also situated along the road. A terrorists attack would cause loss of life and damage to property which Police might not be able to prevent.

OIC Ranjith Kottachi submitted that the SSP had been informed about the construction of the pandal. Already four bombs have exploded in the area. Intelligence reports warn of terrorists activities. If the request of respondents is allowed, Police would be hard pressed in performing their duties.

Attorney at Law Ravi Matugama appearing for respondent Sunethra Ranasinghe, the Mayor of Dehiwela-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council, in his submissions described the erection of a pandal as a peoples’ effort and that police objections were based on an erroneous basis. A pandal is a public necessity, he submitted.