The initiative is aimed at regulating the activities of vendors who currently sell snacks and other food items through informal mobile operations within the market premises.
Under the program, identified vendors will receive standardized mobile vending stalls and related equipment free of charge, according to Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannila.
A mobile vending stall and equipment package valued at approximately Rs. 800,000 was presented Friday (4) at the New Manning Market Complex under the patronage of Pannila.
The initiative is intended to improve the organization of mobile food vending within the market while providing customers with access to clean, high-quality food.
Preliminary discussions were also held on establishing several new facilities at the market complex. They include a Lanka Sathosa outlet, a rice outlet operated by the Lanka General Trading Corporation, a medical center operated by Lanka Hospitals and a store selling Chinese products to serve an estimated 15,000 Chinese nationals currently living in and around Colombo.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Kumara Jayakody, officials from Nestlé, the chairman of the Urban Development Authority, Manning Market Complex Manager Nuwan Tharanga, Peliyagoda Municipal Council Chairman Kapila Keerthi, local representatives and beneficiaries.
