The Kandy Municipal Council has decided to ban pavement trading in the city from January 1.
Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayake said the decision was taken to protect the beauty of the city and ease congestion for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Kandy.
“Although the council passed the relevant resolution about six months ago, we did not implement it immediately, considering the difficulties pavement traders would face. Instead, we gave them until December 31, more than five months, to clear their goods. They requested time until their stock was sold, so we allowed nearly six months. That period ends on December 31. This decision will not be changed for any reason. Years ago, the council provided alternative locations for pavement traders, but they abandoned those places and returned to the pavements, which created this problem. Whether it is the Governor or the President, we will not reverse this decision,” the Mayor said, speaking at a media briefing.
Business owners in the central market said pavement trading in front of the market has caused them serious difficulties, despite paying taxes to the council. They added that although they had informed the council several times, no relief was given.
The council has identified that currently, between 60 and 80 pavement traders operate in Kandy city. (Newswire)