Wholesale traders complain of few customers

COLOMBO (News1st): Wholesale traders who were permitted to engage in trading on Wednesday have complained over the lack of customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic centres at which essential commodities are sold to retail traders were allowed to remain open in areas that are under quarantine curfew. "The people who visit the economic centre purchase goods for about 2000 or 3000 rupees," Manjula Rajapaksa, the president of the Bokunda Traders Union said. He pointed out that the customers visiting the centre are not economically capable of purchasing large stocks. Meanwhile, the Ratmalana Economic Centre was disinfected before resuming operations this morning. A considerable amount of traders turned up at this economic centre to purchase goods in wholesale quantities. The Welisara Dedicated Economic Centre remained closed today after 6 individuals had tested positive for COVID-19. The economic centre is due to reopen next Monday. Wholesale stores were allowed to remain open in Pettah since 5 am today. Trade minister Bandula Gunawardana who visited the area to monitor the situation said there are sufficient stocks of essential commodities at stores. "There is no shortage of essential commodities at the economic centre," Gunawardana told reporters. However, he pointed out that the prices of rice have increased and that a gazette would be issued to rectify this situation in near future.