Billboards in cities and towns

In recent times large number of billboards have come up in almost all cities and towns in Sri Lanka. In most cases these have been erected in a haphazard manner and they have become an eyesore to visitors from abroad as well as Lankans. Some of the advertisements are torn due to the weather. There are instances where the advertisement has been removed and the skeleton of the billboard remain.

The local authorities should ensure that billboards are erected only in certain places where they would not affect the appearance of the city or town. Also the safety of motorists must be assured. Some billboards obstruct the surrounding scenery. This is noticeable on the Kadugannawa hillside on the Kandy road. It’s a real eyesore and obstructs the view especially while traveling by train. Added to this some of the billboards are very ugly and should never have been allowed.

For a start it would be good if local authorities decide to remove all billboards and then decide where they could be erected without obstructing the beauty of a city or town and also assure road safety.

HM NISSANKA WARAKAULLE