Popular street food site in Kimbulawala ordered to dismantle their stalls

The popular street food site in Kimbulawala, near Sri Lanka’s parliament complex, where street food vendors operate on Madiwela -Kimbulawala street have been instructed to dismantle their stalls within a period of 14 days by the Road Development Authority (RDA).

It has been revealed that unauthorized two-story stalls have also been erected, causing hindrance to vehicular movement.

The RDA underscored that this decision was made due to the growing number of daily complaints it has received. These complaints primarily highlight concerns over road accidents occurring in the area due to the presence of these street food establishments.

The street food vendors had previously expressed their willingness to continue their operations, provided they are subject to oversight by an assigned regulatory body.

In the past, the Urban Development Authority had initially ordered the removal of these stalls. However, a subsequent agreement between the food stall owners and relevant authorities permitted the continuation of business operations under certain conditions.

Previously agreed upon adjustments included relocating the stalls slightly away from the main road. Despite these agreements, the RDA has noted that some stalls remain obstructing the road.

Started with one or two vendors who sold ‘pol roti and pork curry’ kept in the back of their cars, a trending phenomenon that started in mid-2019 especially in suburban areas in Colombo, Kimbulawala street food joint soon became popular amongst those representing different walks of life.

Night street food joint, has attracted many street food lovers with a gradual increase of vendors joining street food selling in Kimbulawala with many opting to selling food on the side of the road.

After being in operation for more than three years, street food vendors at Kimbulawala are facing eviction orders by authorities, as a result of their customer base growing remarkably.

With growing customer base coupled with limited parking spaces created traffic along the road from Thalawathugoda- Pitakotte road.