Sri Lanka, Aug. 21 -- Every year, the Government and local authorities spend public money painting and maintaining electricity and telephone poles, walls and other structures along our roads. Yet, soon after they are cleaned and painted, they are covered with handbills, posters and advertising banners.

Private tuition classes, property agents, pawn brokers and even some financial institutions are among those responsible. The result is particularly visible in urban areas, where once-clean roadsides quickly become an eyesore.

There is, however, a simple solution. Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and other local authorities should provide designated public advertising boards where individuals and businesses can legally display handbills...