Local retailers make latest call for relief

Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) joined the bandwagon in requesting relief from the government so they are able to stay afloat and steer through the ongoing crisis.

The association met with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa recently to stress the need for the government to roll out relief measures through the Finance Ministry so retail operations are able to proceed in a smooth manner in the Covid-19 environment.

Prime Minister Rajapaksa had assured the retailers that moratoriums on bank loans will be granted to the business community.

The association had also urged the premier to consider reducing or postponing utility payments so that the ‘cost burden’ is reduced to some extent. A decision on this regard is yet to be taken.

“We are confident of relief measures so that a consumer crisis would not take place”, the SLRA said in a statement to the media.