Makeover for Manning Market

Rohan MATHES

COLOMBO: On the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's main wholesale trade centre, Colombo's Manning Market will be refurbished with enhanced amenities for a more efficient and streamlined service to the public, the President's Office said.

Following discussions among the relevant officials, at the Govi Jana Mandiriya last Saturday (16) with the Agrarian Services and Farming Community Upliftment Minister S.M. Chandrasena presiding, it was decided to keep the 1,500 stalls of the Manning Market open during night time.

This would tremendously ease traffic congestion within the Colombo city and minimise the waste, which in turn would offer many benefits such as reduced prices, to the consumer.

This development would benefit some 7,000 businessmen operating there and also the farming community who could then supply their agri products direct to them sans middlemen.

As a initial step, amenities such as electricity, water and sanitary facilities are to be provided to the market on an accelerated basis before January 3.

The market is also to be cleaned-up by the Govi Jana Seva officials, Colombo Municipality employees, traders and farmer representatives on January 3, on a Shramadana basis.

Urban Development Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayake, representatives of the Colombo Municipal Council and Trade Representatives of the Manning Market participated at the meeting.