Police Media Spokesperson says Civil Security officers will be deployed to assist the resumption of operations at the Manning Market.

Despite the curfew lift in the Western Province, the marketplace remained closed off as several of its workers were tested positive for Covid-19.

DIG Ajith Rohana said the authorities have decided to deploy nearly 100 Civil Security officers to help the distribution activities at the marketplace until the return of labourers (Nattamis).

The government has decided to shift the Manning Market to a new location in Peliyagoda as the vendors were confronted with various difficulties following the closure of the marketplace.

Accordingly, plans are afoot to establish the marketplace on a plot of land belonging to the State Engineering Corporation (SEC) and to resume operations from next Monday or Tuesday.

DIG Rohana stated that all individuals who are involved in trading at Manning Market will be referred to a PCR test beforehand.

He requested the staff members, vendors or shop owners of Manning Market who have not been referred to a PCR test to contact SSP in charge of Colombo Central, Nishantha Chandrasekara via 071 8591551.