Revival of Colombo’s neglected floating market – a challenge-By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Although, from afar, Colombo’s “floating market” appears picturesque, up close, the neglected facility stands in stark contrast, with algae-filled lake water that discourages visitors. Some shops have collapsed into the lake, while the boats remained partly submerged, and water monitors can be seen swimming in the stagnant water. Currently, authorities are attempting to restore the Pettah floating market opened in 2014. Although, it was renovated once in 2021, it is currently neglected. The stalls and shops alongside Beira Lake remain in a dilapidated state. Garbage bags, discarded water bottles and cans litter the water and the foul stench is a deterrent for locals and foreigners.
The location has become a haven for beggars and drug addicts during the day and night. Although, the Mounted Police and traffic police headquarters are 100 meters away, the location is posing a threat to visitors and shop owners.
Bulgarian tourists Stanislav and Maria Nozharova as well as Polish tourists Tadeusz and Jovita Zapasiewicz who were visiting the market to purchase souvenirs disclosed that “we visited the market in 2015. It was a picturesque location during that period and we enjoyed a fresh fruit juice while watching the picturesque scene, including passing trains across the lake after purchasing gift items to take home. But in contrast, currently, the location is smelly, ugly and not in a state to visit. So, we don’t want to stay even for a few minutes. We are disappointed about the current situation.”
Former shop owners in the floating market selling goods near the Bus Stand adjoining the market said that “poor management and negligence, including sabotage by state officers, had left the popular market in a bad state. Business is weak due to the condition of the market. Earlier, the market had eateries, bakeries, ornament shops and clothing shops, yet, currently, most are idling. Shoppers are turned off due to the stench. Although, politicians visit the market during the pre-election period and promise to renovate it and restore it to its former glory, after elections, they completely forget about it. Many months have passed without any sign of renovation. Although, the market now remains poorly maintained, in 2014, it was an attraction and one of the most visited sites by tourists due to the combined efforts of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and engineering units of Sri Lanka Army. There were over 70 shops during that period.”
As revealed by shop owners “we pay a rent of Rs 10,000 a month to the UDA, yet, they are not maintaining the shops and wooden structures set up for beautification as well as for aesthetic purposes. Maintenance of the lake, surrounding area and sewage systems has been divided among the UDA, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). Sewage, wastewater and water from drainage lines accumulate in the lake, contributing to the stench. There are three security guards, but only one is available at a time, and he too sleeps at night, allowing illegal activities to occur. Beira Lake needs to be thoroughly cleaned up, where every piece of garbage and sewage sludge should be removed.”
According to SLLDC officials, “we clean the area every day, and the next day we see a larger amount of waste. We have pointed out to the UDA that we are unable to get tractors and excavators to remove the garbage as machinery and heavy equipment cannot reach the area due to the steps.”
