An environment will be created for the pavement hawkers to engage in their business in a way that would not obstruct the public during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake said.

Mr. Ratnayake made this observation when he met representatives of the Kolomthota Eksath Welenda Sangamaya and other pavement hawkers’ associations at the President’s Office last evening (06).While engaging in a cordial discussion with the pavement hawkers by listening to their issues, he agreed to solve the issues in a way that would not cause inconvenience to the pedestrians.

He added that he will discuss the issues of the pavement hawkers with the President and appoint a committee to solve their issues.In consultation with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ratnayake took steps to solve issues presented by some pavement hawkers during the meeting itself, the President’s Media Division said.

Attention was also given to the issuance of a special identity card for the pavement hawkers taking into account their demands.IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, representatives of hawkers’ associations and others participated in this event.