The Kandy News Online Edition: December 2011

Kandy Hospital to Get a New Cancer Treatment Facility

First Lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the project launch flanked by Governor Tikiri Kobbakaduwa and Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka

The Kandy General Hospital is to get a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility costing Rs 1,050 million. A special project committee consisting of representatives of the medical profession, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders will be responsible for the project.

The project was ceremonially launched recently at a function held at the Kandy District Cultural Centre. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the chief guest. Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbakaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka, Provincial Health Minister Sunil Amaratunga, Kandy Hospital Director Dr. Gamini Dissanayaka were among the other distinguished guests present. More>>

US Ambassador Calls on the New Kandy Mayor

Mayor Ratwatte in discussion with Ambassador Butenis

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Patricia A. Buntenis made a courtesy call recently on the new mayor of Kandy Mahindra Ratwatte at the offices of the KMC. The mayor and the ambassador discussed plans that the mayor had to improve the quality of life and the economy of the city.

The ambassador was keen to know the plans that the new Council had to prepare Kandy for the expected influx of tourists in the coming months and years. The mayor noted that he has already taken action to remove large billboards that are a blot on the beauty of the city. He is also working on getting the street pavements cleared of hawkers while finding alternative accommodation for them.

The Council has taken back solid waste disposal from the private company to which was outsourced. The mayor said that he was confident that the Council would be able to a better job. The council is also planning to introduce a recycling scheme.

Ambassador Butenis who has visited Kandy on several previous occasion during her tenure in Sri Lanka of over two years inquired after the plans that the mayor has for constructing the new public library, municipal office complex and the civic centre in Kandy. He said that he was actively pursuing funding sources to commence the project. More>>

Kandy District Coordinating Committee to take immediate action to remove all billboards

Billboards and cutouts in town The Ministry of Defense and Urban Development has instructed the Kandy District Coordinating Committee to take immediate action to remove all billboards and cutouts that deface the beauty of the Kandy city centre and the surrounding area. Billboards and cutouts have become an eyesore especially in the area around George E de Silva Park, Getembe bridge, and some other spots in the town centre.

The committee discussed the ministry letter at its last monthly meeting. Kandy mayor took responsibility to accomplish the task. Chairman of the Committee Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage promised to secure the assistance of the police and co-chairman Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka assured that the Provincial Council would also gives its support for the move. The authorities will also conduct a survey of the town area to identify places where billboards would be permitted.

Some of the provincial councilors and members local government bodies of the governing UPFA who were present at the meeting humorously remarked that the same people who erected many of the billboards and cutouts now want to take them down.

Mayor Mahindra Ratwatte told The Kandy News that the billboards in Getembe have already been removed.