The historic charm of Kandy is being overshadowed by piles of plastic and discarded food wrappers as thousands flock to the city for the annual exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. With visitors lining up for hours to pay their respects, the streets around the temple have been overwhelmed with trash—polythene bags, plastic bottles, and snack wrappers litter the roads, painting an unpleasant picture of a city swamped by its own popularity.
Devotees waiting in long queues say there’s simply nowhere to put their waste. With no visible garbage bins and limited cleanup crews, the situation is spiraling. One Municipal Council official admitted that the problem worsens each year. “People bring snacks and water for the long wait, which is understandable. But as the line moves, they just leave everything behind. Our cleaning teams can’t keep up,” the official explained.
Environmental groups and locals alike are sounding the alarm, saying Kandy—once admired for its beauty and cultural significance—is at risk of turning into a dumping ground during religious festivals. They’re calling on authorities to act fast by installing more trash bins, increasing waste collection efforts, and launching public awareness campaigns to remind visitors to be mindful of their surroundings.
Photos from the area show a stark contrast between the sacred atmosphere of the Dalada Maligawa and the mess left in its wake. For a city that thrives on cultural heritage and tourism, keeping its streets clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about respect.
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