Sri Lanka, Jan. 5 -- Kandy Municipal Commissioner Indika Abeysinghe stated that the removal of pavement hawkers in the city was carried out on January 1, following a decision made by the Kandy Municipal Council.

The Municipal Commissioner noted that the clearing operation followed a resolution passed by the Council last July. The Council's raid unit, removed stalls and wooden platforms that obstructed the pavements on the morning of January 1. The operation proceeded despite protests from several pavement hawkers.

The affected vendors requested the Mayor to provide them with alternative locations in areas frequented by the public to continue their trade. However, Kandy Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayaka stated that the Council will not revers...