Plans to remove Kimbulawala street food stalls: Harsha alleges

SJB MP Harsha de Silva said plans are afoot to remove the street food stalls at Kimbulawala in Madiwela and urged the government not proceed with the proposal.

He told Parliament that there were rumours that Kimbulawala street food stalls will be removed and said it would put in trouble the people who are engaged in self- employment to earn a living amidst the economic crisis.

MP de Silva said street food stalls could be seen everywhere in the world and asked why is it going to be removed.

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said no specific plans to remove the said street food stalls and added that Cabinet approval was granted to make road markings and ensure safety of the passengers and vehicles.

He said the UDA had received complaints from passengers and drivers that these stalls obstruct the smooth traffic movement.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said this street food stalls earlier operated only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but it is open seven days a week now.

The Minister said complaints have been recieved from shop owners near that place claiming that their businesses have been affected due to this and that place where the food stalls are set up are unhygienic.

He said a meeting will be held this afternoon at Urban Development Authority (UDA) and a proper procedure would be introduced to continue their businesses. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)