‘Deyata Kirula’ forces closure of clubMembers deprived of relaxation

by Harischandra Gunaratna

The Otters Aquatic Club, one of the oldest clubs in the country, has been forced close its doors to members as no vehicles other than those belonging to residents are permitted to enter the area due to the heavy security measures introduced following the annual ‘Deyata Kirula’ mega exhibition, which was opened yesterday. The exhibition will continue till 11.

A member of the club, who wished to remain anonymous, said since no vehicles other than those used by the residents of the area are permitted to enter Sarana Road where the club is situated, suppliers are not in a position to transport commodities like food stuffs, soft drinks, liquor etc where the stocks have to be replenished quite often.

Only the Gymnasium, Badminton court and the swimming pool will function during this period he said.

"The club has around 5,000-6,000 members and most of the evenings there are around 500-600 members engaged in different activities," he said.

Cabinet Ministers, top brass of the police and security forces, bureaucrats and many other influential people patronise the club but they are helpless since the decision not to allow vehicles to areas in close proximity to the BMICH where the exhibition is held had been taken by the Defence Ministry.