Five shops at reopened Dambulla Economic Centre shut for flouting health guidelines

Five shops at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre (DDEC) which were flouting COVID prevention guidelines were shut down by authorities within an hour of the centre reopening in the early hours of this morning. 

The DDEC reopened this morning under strict health guidelines after being closed down on April 26 following the spread of COVID-19 among those working there. 

Only four employees who had tested negative for the virus following PCR tests were permitted to work at a single shop. Officials said the first two days after reopening will be reserved for farmers in the Matale district to come and sell their produce. Farmers in other districts will get a chance to sell their produce afterwards. 

Health authorities at the Dambulla Municipal Council shut down five shops at the centre which they found to be operating without adhering to health guidelines. Employees of these shops were also ordered to vacate the centre. 

Authorities also shut down a restaurant at the centre that was operating despite not being given permission to reopen. 

Text and Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa