What a shame that they have to pay

By Shenali Waduge, Via email

Any visitor to Sri Lanka would want to take back fond memories of an island nation complemented by the warmth of its people.

Visitors enjoy learning about the country’s rich cultural heritage and a highlight is always visits to places that leave the visitors in admiration and awe.

However, accompanying a foreign visitor to the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy resulted in a sense of shame, for the charge to worship and view the Dalada Maligawa was Rs.500 for foreign nationals.

It is embarrassing that anyone wishing to enter a place of homage and worship should have to pay for it. If funds are needed, perhaps a nicely worded message requesting donations would suffice.

But seeing the entry charge for foreign nationals being raised to Rs.500 was not a welcome sight.
I, therefore, request the authorities to consider reviewing the levy charged on foreign nationals to places of worship in particular.