Plans to remove Kimbulawala street food stalls: Harsha alleges

Prasanna says stalls will not be removed  

• MP de Silva said street food stalls could be seen everywhere in the world and asked why it is going to be removed
• Only the structures set up against the Motor Traffic Ordinance will be removed throughout the country   

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

SJB MP Harsha de Silva said plans are afoot to remove the street food stalls at Kimbulawala in Madiwela and urged the government not to 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 it is going to be removed.  

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said there were no specific plans to remove the said street food stalls and added that only the structures set up against the Motor Traffic Ordinance will be removed throughout the country.   

He said the UDA had received complaints from passengers and drivers that these stalls obstruct the smooth traffic movement.   Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said these 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 received from shop owners around the place claiming that their businesses have been affected due to this and that the place where the food stalls are set up are unhygienic.