Plans have been set to stage the first ever vehicle free day in Colombo under the theme ‘Car Free Colombo’ jointly organised by the Colombo Municipal Council and the Netherlands Embassy.
It will be staged on Sunday 14th from 6.00am – 12.00 noon from Independence Avenue to Green Path, while the public is invited to join either on foot, bicycles or skate boards and any mode of transport that non-mechanical.
On that day motorists are advised to use alternative roads which will be indicated on the roads, while they would be able to use Dharmapala Mawatha, Horton Place, section of the C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha and Baudhaloka Mawatha. However, busses would be permitted to ply their normal routes.
UNICEF will facilitate a session for university art students to conduct an art session for children where they will be provided with supplies to create their paintings. Exercise, yoga and other fitness sessions will also take place alongside other activities at the event. The open streets will be a plastic-free zone and offer healthy food and organic produce in keeping with the event’s sustainability theme.
As this move is to promote sustainable practices, plastic bottles etc will be banned. The organisers have made arrangements to provide those participating with healthy food and carbonic products.
With this event, the Municipal Council is taking the first step towards reducing the congestion on its streets and improving the lifestyles of its people. This initiative is currently implemented in several countries and cities with the aim of encouraging alternative modes of transport minimising the use of fossil fuel in a bid to promote healthy living.
(Mirror)