By: Vibhuti Pathak
Sri Lanka Police are taking action to address the issue of beggars at intersections and traffic lights in Colombo, stressing concerns over traffic congestion and potential harm to both beggars and drivers due to road accidents.
DIG Indika Hapugoda, Traffic Police Chief, highlighted efforts to remove beggars from these areas, with both uniformed and undercover officers stationed nearby to enforce this initiative.
“We have tried rehabilitating them, and offering them jobs that pay 2,000-3,000 Sri Lankan rupees a day, but they ask us ‘Why would we want to do that when we earn 15,000–20,000 Sri Lankan rupees a day from begging?” said Hapugoda.
In the past week, 94 beggars were arrested and fined as part of this crackdown. Many beggars, according to Hapugoda, engage in begging as full-time employment, often due to severe drug addiction. Efforts for rehabilitation are underway.
