MOHAMMED NASAR
COLOMBO- Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena said here on Wednesday, August 18 at the government has no objection in voluntary closing of shops because of the pandemic, however, it does not want essential services to be disrupted.
Disruption of essential services will not only harm the economy of the country but also it will affect the common man and his daily earnings.
The minister was speaking when he visited the Pettah shopping area on information that the traders have voluntarily closed their outlets in support of the government’s fight against the Covid virus on Wednesday.
The minister also said that the government is helpless when the prices of commodities increase in the international markets.” Such price increase are beyond our control,” he said.
Gunawardena also said that Sathosa outlets will be kept open in all parts of the country for the convenience of the customers. He also announced that a relief packet of dry rations which will be enough for two weeks will be given for deserving people from Thursday .
In Keyzer Street, almost all the shops were closed in the morning, but later just before the minister’s visit some shops were opened.In Armour Street, Colombo 15, the row of hardware shops remained closed.
