The Sri Lanka Police are taking action to tackle the issue of beggars at junctions and traffic signals in Colombo, expressing worries about traffic congestion and potential harm to both beggars and drivers due to road accidents.
DIG Indika Hapugoda, Chief of Traffic Police, emphasized endeavors to remove beggars from these areas, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers stationed nearby to enforce this initiative.
“We have attempted to rehabilitate them, and offer them jobs that pay 2,000-3,000 Sri Lankan rupees a day, but they inquire, ‘Why would we want to do that when we earn 15,000–20,000 Sri Lankan rupees a day from begging?'” said Hapugoda.
During the past week, 94 beggars were apprehended and fined as part of this crackdown. According to Hapugoda, many beggars engage in begging as their main source of income, often due to severe drug addiction. Rehabilitation efforts are currently underway.
