'Middlemen' no longer allowed at Dambulla Economic Centre

In line with instructions given by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, steps have been taken to put a stop to 'middlemen' from operating inside the Dambulla Economic Centre with effect from yesterday (2), President of the Traders' Association Channa Arawwala said. 

He noted that the middlemen, known as 'Naadi' have become a severe nuisance to both vegetable farmers and businessmen who come to the centre. He said their association has taken steps previously to try and stop it but had not succeeded. 

However, after Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon brought the matter to the attention of the President, he had directed that the practice should be stopped. Mr Arawwala said they had now received assistance from the police to prevent middlemen from causing a nuisance at the centre. About 300 such middlemen are estimated to have frequenting the economic centre. 

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the farmers and traders to the President for taking steps to stop the middlemen from frequenting the economic centre. 

Text and Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa