Sigirya takes hit from improper waste disposal

Wastewater from offices, canteens and staff hostels of the Central Cultural Fund has reportedly been diverted towards the moat surrounding the Sigiriya Rock.

Waste from lavatories is reportedly also being diverted to said moat.

Reports say that the wastewater has been directed to the moat by means of a large underground pipe situated near the lavatories.

The reports also indicate that entrance tickets to local and foreign tourists are also issued from the same area.

The moat has by now turned black in colour, and is also emanating a strongly unpleasant odour.

Upon an inquiry, the Sigiriya Project Manager of the Central Cultural Fund, H. D. Meththananda, as well as the Security Forces both rejected the claims and stated that wastewater had definitely not been diverted to the moat.

However, both local and foreign tourists pointed out that the city around the Sigiriya Rock is in an unclean state, littered with empty arrack bottles, beer bottles, beer cans and other forms of garbage.

Tourists say that the situation is disrupting the beauty and serenity of the historic site.