11 April 2020 11:57 pm
Mayor of the Balangoda Urban Council (UNP) Chamika Wewagedara has destroyed a stock of vegetables set for sale, by pouring kerosene over them, vendors said.
One vendor said that they had transported a stock of vegetables from Bandarawela adding that they were unaware of the fact that the Ratnapura area was still under curfew.
"As we had no way to go back to Bandarawela along with the vegetables, we prepared them for sale for people at very reasonable prices. However, the Balangoda Mayor who rushed to the location, poured kerosene over the vegetables," he said. It was absolutely unfair to act in such a ruthless manner," the vendor added.
The vendors urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to look into the incident and take action against the Mayor.
Meanwhile, the Balangoda Mayor said the Municipal Council officers had informed the concerned vendors several times, requesting them not to sell vegetables in the area. “However, they did not heed our officers and continued to sell the vegetables," the Mayor said.
"It is my duty and responsibility to act in accordance with the orders of the Governor and to see everything is in place in the municipality" the Mayor added.(Sheain Fernandopulle)