Traders from the South and other places in the country have come to the Jaffna peninsula in a big way with the end of hostilities that led to the lifting of travel restrictions, witnessing a steady flow of traffic to and from the peninsula.
According to reports, at first it was the big business concerns such as the banks and related institutions that were allowed into the region to encourage enterprise. But now small-timers are also moving in and in large numbers.
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Traders selling clothes and other items |
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A vegetable stall enjoying good sales |
Traders from the Sinhala dominated South and Muslims from elsewhere are now entrenched on the streets of Jaffna and other areas in the peninsula.
They are involved in thriving businesses ranging from selling boiled corn to furniture, fruits and vegetables to name a few, keeping their prices at a reasonable level.
Business is good, several traders told our correspondents, but it is not the same with some local traders who are complaining.
One small time Jaffna corn seller lamented that earlier he used to rake in Rs. 1,500 as net profit per day. But now that situation has changed.
“The traders from elsewhere sell their goods at a lower price and attract more customers. This is not good for business,” he said.
In addition, some of the new traders from other parts of the country are even offering credit facilities to customers they hardly knew personally. |