A colossal expenditure wasted due to neglect

The three-storeyed market complex constructed at a colossal expenditure under a development project implemented in 1979 by a former Minister of Trade, the late Lalith Athulathmudali who represented the area has been in a dilapidated condition due to neglect and misuse. The public pointed out that several stalls in the market complex had been abandoned for want of adequate facilities.

A trader of the area who had been running business from the very inception said Minister Athulathmudali who rendered a yeoman service to the area implemented several projects and the Mount Lavinia market complex was one such.

“The people had been facing hardship for want of a market complex where all essential commodities were available under one roof. Minister Athulathmudali who represented the area felt the need of a market complex and implemented the project. We did not have supermarkets in the area at that time. The petty traders ran business by the roadside stalls that were unauthorised erections destroyed at times by the Municipal Council. The market complex resolved a long overdue issue. We were provided stalls complete with all facilities for an affordable rent. Today, super markets have mushroomed into the city and the public market complex has not been improved to face the challenge of supermarkets. They use various tactics to attract customers. We are now running at a loss.”

A resident of the area and a trader who abandoned his stall, Hubert Fernando (58) pointed out that the market complex in a dilapidated condition had a ghostly look with several stalls closed and that it was a safe haven for nefarious activities after dark.

“I was compelled to close my stalls due to the losses. The building has not been repaired since its inception. The roof is on the verge of collapse and the walls have developed cracks. The toilets in the ground floor are no longer used. The rear of the ground is used by unscrupulous individuals to dispose of garbage, creating a health hazard,” he said.

He said continual representations in this regard to the politicians representing the area and the Municipal Council had fallen on deaf ear.

Residents of the area requested the Ministry of Western Development and Megapolis to improve the market complex in keeping with the modern requirements.

The market complex resolved a long overdue issue. We were provided stalls complete with all facilities for an affordable rent. Today, super markets have mushroomed into the city and the public market complex has not been improved to face the challenge of supermarkets. They use various tactics to attract customers. We are now running at a loss