• How simple upgrades can transform Sri Lanka’s public spaces

Public parks are an essential yet often overlooked component of urban and suburban spaces, especially in a bustling area like Colombo. 

While the city may lack an abundance of free and accessible public spaces, it does offer a few key areas like Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, and Independence Square. These spaces, although limited, provide Colombo residents with a place to gather, exercise, and relax outdoors. 

However, the question remains: are these parks adequately equipped and maintained to serve the diverse needs of the public?

Parks are invaluable to communities for many reasons. They serve as communal gathering spaces where people of all ages can come together, engage in physical activities, and enjoy nature in a safe, open environment. Children can play, families can spend quality time together, and individuals can find a place for both relaxation and exercise.

In addition to creating a healthier, more connected community, parks offer an important reprieve from the urban environment, providing fresh air and greenery that enhances the well-being of residents.

To maximise the benefits parks bring, they must be designed thoughtfully, with accessibility, safety, and inclusivity in mind. Well-equipped parks with a variety of amenities – such as play areas for children, walking and jogging paths, fitness equipment, shaded seating areas, and clean restrooms – can enhance the overall experience for visitors. 

Accessible pathways, clear signage, and safety features like proper lighting also contribute to a park’s functionality, making it a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of age or ability. 

Beyond their immediate benefits to physical health, parks also have a significant impact on mental well-being. They provide spaces where people can unwind from the stresses of daily life, reconnect with nature, and foster a sense of community. 

Public parks are more than just green spaces; they are vital to creating thriving, resilient neighbourhoods. For Colombo and other cities across Sri Lanka, investing in well-maintained and thoughtfully equipped public parks is crucial to enhancing the quality of urban life.

Viharamahadevi Park

While exploring some of Sri Lanka’s notable public parks, we noticed that they could indeed be better equipped to serve the needs of the community. 

At Viharamahadevi Park, one of the largest and most popular public spaces in Colombo, people gather for various activities, from casual strolls to significant events. Walking through the park, we observed small groups scattered across the landscape, reinforcing the park’s importance as a vital community space.

During our visit, a memorial event was taking place near the iconic Buddha statue. Event organiser Shehani Palihawadana expressed her appreciation for the park as a venue, saying: “I am grateful for this park because getting approval to host the memorial here was a straightforward process. The only requirements were to keep the space clean and avoid excessive noise that might disturb others in the park.” 

She added that the caretakers of Viharamahadevi Park clearly prioritised its upkeep. “Once we finished, the Army officers who patrol the area did a quick inspection to ensure we weren’t leaving any litter or candlewax behind. It was reassuring to see the effort they put into maintaining the park for everyone.”

However, Shehani also pointed out areas for improvement, noting: “There’s no place to get water in the park, and there aren’t enough benches. Sitting on the ground is fine, but with ants and other bugs, more benches would be helpful. The lack of water is a real issue; even a small drinking fountain would make a big difference for park visitors.”

Public parks like Viharamahadevi Park are more than just open spaces; they are essential to community well-being, providing a place for people to connect with nature, gather with friends, and enjoy some tranquillity in the city. By investing in additional amenities like water fountains and seating areas, these spaces could become even more inviting and accessible for everyone.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green faces a similar issue when it comes to accessible water facilities. There are no public water fountains to quench one’s thirst or even wash hands after a visit, which can be inconvenient for park-goers. 

However, unlike Viharamahadevi Park, Galle Face Green has a long row of vendors lining the walkway, many of whom sell bottled water, which may reduce the demand for a public drinking fountain. 

”Sometimes, vendors are also willing to allow you to wash your hands at their own small sinks,” shared a frequent visitor, noting the supportive community vibe among the vendors.

Independence Square

At Independence Square, we observed a different scene. The area was lively with families enjoying picnics on the grass, with children running around and people taking in the open space. 

One notable feature of Independence Square is a public tap, which provides water for general use. While not explicitly designed as a drinking fountain, it serves a practical purpose for visitors. This basic water access, although not a perfect solution, is appreciated by many visitors who feel that it should be a standard feature in all public parks. 

Kesbewa walking track  

These differences among parks highlight the varying levels of infrastructure available to the public and suggest a need for improvements to make these spaces more user-friendly. 

Accessible water, whether through fountains or taps, could make these recreational spaces even more accommodating.

Diana Joseph shared her concerns about the Kesbewa walking track, highlighting serious safety and accessibility issues that have yet to be addressed. 

“It’s a great public space,” she commented. “However, they’ve removed all the light bulbs, and for months, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) has not bothered to replace them. People have stolen the bulbs and now it’s pitch black in that area.” 

Diana pointed out the potential dangers of such poor maintenance, explaining: “It’s a huge issue – you could get assaulted, and without any lighting, the risks are even higher.”

Additionally, she raised the critical safety concern regarding wildlife near the walking track. 

“There’s no fence to prevent crocodiles from crawling onto the path,” she added, noting that the lack of barriers left walkers vulnerable to unexpected encounters with dangerous animals. 

For a public space to be genuinely accessible and safe, proper lighting and appropriate safety measures like fencing are essential, especially in areas near bodies of water known to attract wildlife.

Gregory Park, Nuwara Eliya 

At Gregory Park in Nuwara Eliya, visitors are treated to a vibrant scene with boat rides, pony rides, and a variety of carnival attractions, including multiple theme park rides. This park is often packed with visitors year-round, regardless of the day or season, highlighting its popularity. 

One notable difference from other public parks is the modest entrance fee of just Rs. 100, which is a reasonable price for access to a clean and well-maintained space. The park’s lush lawns are well kept, inviting people to sit comfortably on the grass, and water taps are provided for public use, ensuring easy access to drinking water.

Harin Wijesekara, a resident of Kandy who frequently visits Nuwara Eliya, shared his appreciation for Gregory Park’s lively atmosphere. 

“I often come here because there is actually a nice vibe on weekends, with carnival-type events happening,” he explained. “The fruits are also sometimes very cheap. We visit this public park a lot.” 

He also noted the importance of paying the small entrance fee, saying: “I see a lot of people sneak through the fence without paying for the ticket, but the ticket is not that expensive. They should pay the fee, as it’s a small price for the park’s maintenance.”

Harin’s perspective underscores the park’s value as a community space that is both accessible and well cared for, making it a cherished spot for locals and tourists alike. The maintenance fee helps preserve the park’s clean and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the amenities without being concerned about upkeep.

Beach Park, Galle 

The Beach Park by the Galle Municipal Council is another thoughtfully maintained public space that serves the local community and visitors alike. 

Situated conveniently near the Galle Court, it provides a perfect resting spot for people waiting for court sessions, while its open access to the ocean, without any fences, creates a refreshing and unobstructed connection to the surrounding coastal landscape. 

The scenic backdrop of the ocean, along with the barrier of rocks, offers a unique atmosphere that enhances the experience, reminding visitors of the coastal charm of Sri Lanka’s south.

Beach Park’s spacious seating areas allow people to comfortably enjoy their meals or take a break, although there is currently a need for more accessible drinking water nearby. Many visitors resort to walking some distance to the Dutch Hospital to access taps, or they use the ocean for simple tasks like handwashing. 

Essential green spaces for communities 

Public parks like Viharamahadevi Park, Gregory Park, and Beach Park serve as essential green spaces for communities across Sri Lanka, offering more than just recreational areas. They are places for relaxation, gatherings, and celebrating cultural events, while also promoting social cohesion and health. 

By providing simple amenities like drinking water fountains, sufficient seating, and adequate lighting, these parks can better meet the needs of the public and enhance their experience. 

Commenting on Viharamahadevi Park, Shehani pointed out: “When parks prioritise cleanliness and accessibility, they really show care for the community.”

Sri Lanka’s public parks have the potential to be vibrant community hubs that bring people together, promote well-being, and create beautiful spaces that everyone can enjoy. 

As we move towards a more urbanised future, prioritising the enhancement and maintenance of these parks will not only boost the quality of life for residents but also support tourism and community pride. 

With thoughtful planning and attention to public needs, Sri Lanka can continue to create parks that are truly cherished and sustainable, fostering a greater sense of unity and connection with nature for all.

Attempts by The Sunday Morning Brunch to contact the UDA and Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) were unsuccessful at the time of publication.