[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the renovated E.L.Senanayake Children’s Park in the city of Kandy recently. It is the first urban children’s park and one of the oldest situated at the Ampitiya junction along the Kandy Lake Round Road. This children’s park which was built in 1969 named in honour of E.L.Senanayake, former Mayour of Kandy and prominent Sri Lankan politician.

The E.L. Senanayake Park had been completely neglected in the past. The Urban Council of Kandy renovated the park at a cost of Rs: 10 million. The Park which covers an area of about one acre was totally reconstructed with a financial grant given by a delegation of Chinese representatives and with the support of the local business community. The Park is totally refurbished under the guidance of Mahen Ratwatte, Mayor of Kandy and it is now equipped with all facilities needed by the children.

Ministers S. B. Dissanayake and Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, MPs Dilum Amunugama and Lohan Ratwatte and Chief of Staff of the Presidential Secretariat Gamini Senarath were present at the opening ceremony.

The President is seen exchanging pleasantries with the children present at the opening of the park.

Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana