Don’t miss this month’s ‘Ceylon Flea Market’
View(s):By Sajani Ratnayake
A flea market that provides people an opportunity to sell second-hand or used items may be a familiar concept overseas, but it is not widespread in Sri Lanka. Madz Chambers started the ‘Ceylon Flea Market’, in February of this year and is continuing to hold it monthly at the Viharamahadevi Park.
Madz relates how she was inspired to begin this initiative. Having lost her business in Dubai, the popular flea markets in that country gave her a platform to sell things. The flea market is a means for any person to earn more income, and for buyers to purchase products at affordable rates. On the other hand, during a time of financial hardship for many, this is a place where items can be bought below the usual retail price, she explains.
The Viharamahadevi park is the preferred location due to the accessibility to the public with no limitation on the number of stalls that can be held by people. It can also be visited leisurely by families and friends who just want to spend a day in the park.
Madz and her husband promote the Ceylon Flea Market through social media, and actively go around to spread the word through Sinhala, English and Tamil flyers. There has been positive feedback, and Madz plans to grow the market, adding more activities and elements such as music. Items such as computers, stationery, antiques, clothes, etc can be found at this market. Entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as different brands also have their stalls as well as people from different districts in Colombo with good initiatives, such as helping a school for disabled children or raising funds for the issue of period poverty in
Sri Lanka.
The next Ceylon Flea market will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.- 6p.m. Entrance is free, and tables to sell items
can be booked through 0716881027.
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