Brisk business in the city
by Ananda Kannangara
The peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the city of Colombo brought
brisk business to shop owners and pavement hawkers during this year's
new year season, according to a survey carried out by the media.
Almost all shops and temporarily erected business stalls at Fort,
Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Town Hall, Borella, Rajagiriya and Maradana
were kept open till late at night during the new year week to help the
public in their last minute shopping.
Sunimal Samaraweera, a toy shop owner in Malwatta Street, Pettah said
that the peaceful environment in the city helped all shop owners to keep
their shops open until 9.00 pm.
Vishva Senadhipathi, a textile dealer in Main Street said that bulk
orders for ready made garments and clothing materials were received by
him from Trincomalee, Ampara and Puttalam after several years.
"This shows the success of the current prevention of terrorism in the
city process," Senadhipathi said.
Gemunu Nilaweera, a shop owner in Bambalapitiya said that when there
are no bomb explosions, many traders in the city keep their shops open
till late in the evening. A prominent textile shop at the Town Hall and
Kollupitiya had exceeded their daily turnover of Rs, 900,000 on each
day.
Businessmen in Nugegoda, Maharagama, Wattala, Mt. Lavinia, Moratuwa
and Dehiwala also said that their daily turnover during this year's new
year period improved tremendously compared to the corresponding periods
in the past several years.
They said that the tight security and a peaceful atmosphere currently
prevailing in the country has immensely benefited them to do brisk
business.
Traders at the Colombo Manning Market and St. John's fish market said
that brisk business brought them a good income during the past two
weeks. They said the peaceful atmosphere which prevailed in the city
immensely helped customers, vegetable and fish suppliers coming to
Colombo from upcountry and other coastal areas.
Managers of several cinema halls outside the city said that even
additional shows were being screened during the festive week.
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