The Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government has decided to remove unauthorized pavement venders in the city of Colombo after September 15.
The decision was taken at a discussion held today (19) with the participation of the ministry’s Secretary Kamal Padmasiri.
On the Advice of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the program to remove all unauthorized hawkers and Bill boards and carts selling goods by September 15 was launched.
A survey carried out by the police has determined that over a thousand venders are unlawfully occupying spaces in Colombo and engaging in various trades.
The presence of unauthorized venders has made pavements unsafe for pedestrians while this has even led to an increasing number of accidents.
The ministry says that the Colombo Municipal Council has already identified alternative locations for the pavement venders who will be removed in Colombo.
Secretary Kamal Padmasiri has instructed the CMC to provide facilities such as electricity, lavatories and also protection for these alternate locations.
