Traders go to court against decision to open bars

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United National Association of Self-Employed Traders filed a Fundamental Rights application with the Supreme Court on Tuesday (21) challenging the decision to open wine stores during the period of the Quarantine Curfew.

The Director-General of Health Services, Excise Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, and the members of the COVID-19 Prevention Committee were named as respondents in the case.

President of the United National Self-Employed Businessmen's Association, Charles Pradeep was among the two people arrested for protesting against the decision opposite the Fort Railway Station and was later released.

He claimed the COVID-19 Committee had not taken any decision to re-open wine stores and slammed the COVID-19 committee for not taking appropriate decisions.

He urged the government to allow three-wheeler drivers to at least operate for five hours a day while wearing protective gear.

'If you can allow bars to open, we too should be allowed to operate,' he said.