Trade unions in several major cities across the country have decided to suspend their activities and voluntarily impose locks in the face of the rapidly spreading covid 19 epidemic in the country.

Following the decision of the trade unions to close Gampaha on the 15th of August, the trade unions decided to close 09 cities including Gampaha on the same day alone.

Subsequently, the trade unions of 11 other cities also took the same decision on the day before yesterday (16) and accordingly the number of cities which had been decided to be closed by the day before yesterday (17) was 21.

Thereafter, it was decided to close 08 more cities by the afternoon of the 17th and at the same time the trade on Kaiser Street in Pettah was closed.

The situation was further aggravated by yesterday (18) afternoon when the Trade Union of Pettah decided to close the second crossroads, which is famous for its wholesale trade of textiles and gifts, for a few days. The number has risen to 22.

Accordingly, today (19) Polgahawela Thawalama, Horana, Siyambalanduwa, Thambuththegama, Kamburupitiya, Hatton, Akuressa, Negombo, Kochchikade, Weligama, Embilipitiya, Bibila, Haliela, Anuradhapura, Rakwana, Godakawela, Nochchiyagama, Dambulla and Warakapola, Decided to close down.

 Accordingly, 43 cities have decided to close their shops and suspend operations.