PUBLIC MARKET At Hendala-elakanda junction neglected

The public market constructed by the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha at the Hendala-elakanda junction has become the meeting place of notorious individuals such as drug dealers and racketeers, residents of the area said.

The market place was constructed at the cost of millions for the use of fishermen in the area. The project aimed to bring together fishermen along the coast under one roof. However, issues arose when fishermen who initially sold their catch at the market place stopped doing so several months after the premises were opened.

Stall owner said that maintaining a stall in the premises was unreasonable as they hardly had any customers.

Only four stalls in the upper floor, of the second storey building, was open for business, stall owners said. While the Pradeshiya Sabha would earn a meager amount from renting out the four stalls, it is significant to note that it had no income from other stalls that was rented out in the premises.

Water pipe lines to the buildings have been broken leading to washrooms in the premises being left as they are. “The toilets here have not been cleaned at all. They cannot be used. They don’t even have doors,” a stall owner said.

The trade stalls and benches have become the home for drug dealers vendors said.

When contacted, De Alwis Chairman of thewattala Pradeshiya Sabha said the building was to be demolished and the land was to be used for another development project.