Many youth volunteer to beautify street walls

Over the week more requests flowed from youth who were interested in beautifying public walls, mostly in towns across the country, authorities said.

This new trend catching on, on the streets of Sri Lanka is both colourful and it is spreading the message of working in harmony.

Local authorities have been receiving requests seeking permission to carry out painting projects while businessmen and other groups are offering paints and other equipment.

The recent street cleanup operations carried out by government authorities saw posters being peeled off and street walls getting a scrub. These walls are now being turned into works of art.

This sight for sore eyes can be seen in some parts of Colombo, Gampaha, Galle, Kalutara, Kurunegala and Kandy.

The initiative is also spreading harmony with youth from all races and religions participating in this mural painting project.

It all started with a post on Facebook and other social media calling for volunteers to beautify Sri Lanka.

Imalka Keshan a photographer by profession told the Sunday Times, that the recent presidential election saw division among the youth but the mural art project was creating a sense of unity.

In the famous tourist destination of Mirissa foreigners too were seen painting the walls.

Bhathiya Bandara, who is coordinating the mural art coming up in the underpass in Kandy town said, it was heartening to see passers by stopping and offering to buy meals and refreshments.

"The support extended in numerous ways surprised me and my colleagues," he said.