Former SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella has said the JVP/NPP government totally mishandled the Siri Dalada Vandana relic exposition and now Kandy is reeking of waste.

Kiriella said the government’s lack of planning and experience in organising large-scale national events had led to serious public health concerns in both the city and its suburbs.

“They invited the public to Kandy even without ensuring that at least adequate sanitary facilities would be available. Now, the streets are strewn with heaps of garbage, human waste, polythene bags, and even bottles of urine. People are increasingly worried that this could trigger a disease outbreak.

 “The government failed in every aspect of planning. It should have learnt from how former Presidents Ranasinghe Premadasa and Mahinda Rajapaksa handled similar expositions,” Kiriella said. “Those leaders began preparations three months ahead of the events.

They held at least 15 planning meetings, inviting MPs from both the government and Opposition to ensure proper coordination.”

Kiriella said that under past administrations, more than 10 ministries worked in unison to provide infrastructure and support for the event. “The Health Ministry ensured a steady water supply, the Housing Ministry provided tents and huts, and the Ministry of Tourism handled food and refreshments,” he recalled.

“The current government did none of this. What should have been a spiritual and well-organised national event was turned into a nightmare,” Kiriella said.