Indian and Pakistani traders operating unauthorised businesses in Dambulla

By Kanchana Kumara  

A group of Indian and Pakistani traders have been running a business along the main road near Dambulla Economic Centre much to the inconvenience of the public travelling by vehicles and the pedestrians as well.  

Residents of the area pointed out that the Indian and Pakistani traders dealing in big onions and potatoes with the help of several local racketeers have been running their business unchecked.  

They expressed concern about the lethargic attitude of the police, the Divisional Secretariat, Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha and the Economic Centre Trader Association.  

The public, as their last resort, requested the media to create awareness in this regard among the relevant authorities. They pointed out that the unauthorised Indian and Pakistani traders were obstructing the public roads while depriving the government of revenue.  

They said the container lorries, parked on either side of the road and the vehicles of traders purchasing wholesale stocks of big onions and potatoes, created heavy traffic congestion.  
The traders and the racketeers helping them were rampant in the area and anyone questioned about the unauthorised trade would be left to their mercy.  

HQI Dambulla Police Wasantha Kumara, when inquired of him regarding this irregularity, said he would look into it soon.  

Municipal Commissioner Chaturika Navaratne said she was not aware of the ongoing trade activities of the Indians and the Pakistanis. She said she would investigate it.  

Meanwhile, Dambulla Divisional Secretary Piyal Jayasuriya said it was not within his purview and that it should be taken up with the authorities of Dambulla Municipal Council.  

President of the Economic Centre Trader Association C.S. Siriwardene said he would take up the issue with other members of the association and take a decision.