News
Tourism, dust storms and damage at Aluthgama
View(s):The landing of Mi 17 helicopters belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force in non-designated areas has caused structural damage to several buildings as well as to roofs of buildings in the Aluthgama area. The roofs of several private and public buildings located near the main play grounds have been blown away due these helicopters carrying tourists flying over the buildings at low altitude and landing on the grounds.
In the most recent incident this week, the roof of the public library located close to the grounds was damaged. This is the second time the roof of the library has been damaged. ”Children playing at the playground are badly affected by this practice as they have to cover their faces and flee to escape the dust raised by the choppers” said Amal Piyasekara, a resident of the area.
‘The grounds are very small and therefore the helicopters are forced to fly closer to the buildings to land here. Unfortunately the landing and take off of helicopters is adversely affecting the people in the area’, he said. He said helicopters land at the playgrounds during times the schools are in session as well. Air Force spokesman Andy Wijesuriya said a team of air force personnel had been sent by the to check damage and to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
Children and adults cover their faces to protect themselves from the clouds of dust raised by an incoming helicopter
Children and adults alike flee to avoid the 'dust storm' raised by an incoming helicopter
Tourists alight at one of the playgrounds
The roof of the railway station was blown away due to helicopters landing on the playground adjoining the station
The badly damaged roof of the school, where choppers land even when schools are in session!
Blissfully oblivious to the mayhem around them