2023: The not-so-happy New Year

Colombo’s bargain clothing hub Pamunuwa has become a hive of activity in view of the national New Year. But vendors have mixed reactions.

As the dawn of Avurudu is around the corner, more and more people are seen bargaining and purchasing clothes and other items just so that they could perform the Avurudu rituals.   

But unlike in the past, people are unable to afford expensive items and this was evident during our visit to Pamunuwa.   
Pamunuwa is an area on the outskirts of Colombo, where clothing is a lot cheaper than in other places. The area is popular among bargain hunters.   

People, gathered in numbers were bargaining to purchase at least one T-shirt, shirt, dress, carpet or pillow at the Pamunuwa Market.   
Vendors said they observed a spike in crowds compared to last year but they are not satisfied with their businesses as they struggle to sell off their stocks before Avurudu. 

What the vendors had to say....
We spoke to a few vendors selling various items from clothes to porcelain ware, sweets and firecrackers at Pamunuwa.  

Business is extremely slow this year – Nimal

R. Nimal is a wholesale clothing supplier at Pamunuwa, who has been supplying clothes for the past 10 years.   
“Business is extremely slow this year. Back then I used to bring clothes early in the morning and by about 8-8.30 a.m. all items are sold out.   
“But today, the vendors are struggling to sell even one item. Everything is so expensive. The Government didn’t bring down the price of clothes. Therefore people are compelled to buy just one item for the sake of the New Year. That too, they will purchase after much consideration and bargaining.”   

There were lesser crowds last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic

– Somasiri

R. A Somasiri was busy explaining how porcelain items in his shop are durable and cost-effective.   
“I have been doing this business ever since my teens. My shop sells all porcelain items including mugs, plates and other electrical appliances. Prices range from Rs 250 upwards. All items are durable and are fairly priced when compared to other shops selling similar items.”   
When asked about this year’s business he responded in the affirmative while saying that the number of shoppers was less than last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Hoped for a better business before dawn of Avurudu – Prasanga

Yohan Prasanga sells sweets, sweetmeats and other snacks in Pamunuwa. He is anticipating a better business this Avurudu.   
“People will be purchasing sweetmeats this week and I hoped for a better business before dawn of Avurudu. The sweetmeats are being sourced from different places and I have reduced the prices of sweetmeats this year. Last year there were fewer orders because schools didn’t purchase sweet items. But this year there are some prospects.’’  

Better business this year – Perera

Initially we had issues selling items on the pavement and then we were allocated this space

The former long-distance bus stand at Pamunuwa has now been converted into a space for vendors. “We have been selling clothes at Pamunuwa for the past three years,” said Malani Perera.   
“Initially we had issues selling items on the pavement and then we were allocated this space. “Dresses are now being sold at lower prices. We have items from Rs. 500 onwards. There are some items for Rs. 50 and 100. I feel there’s a better business this year compared to last year,” she said.   

Govt. didn’t reduce prices of clothes – Sanjeewa

Duminda Sanjeewa is a retired officer of the SL Army who is now doing his own business.   
“I served in the Army for over 24 years and now I’m selling clothes here. There was better business last year even despite Covid. This time the wholesale price of clothes is higher than last time. Even though the Government slashed the prices of certain items, the prices of clothes are still expensive. Initially, we bought stocks at Rs. 950. But now the price is Rs. 1,400. We usually purchase stocks from Pettah and Malwana. The prices of clothes in Malwana too are expensive now.”   

People are thinking twice before purchasing items – Atapattu

Indu Atapattu sells carpets, pillows and nightgowns at the Pamunuwa market.   
“There are carpets available from Rs. 450 onwards. This time more people are shopping at Pamunuwa compared to last year. But the prices of the items are a little expensive. So they think twice before purchasing an item.”