Around 200 representatives of Colombo Pettah importers and multinational companies participated.

They urged that a new chairman be appointed to the CWE, and pointed out that the Rs. 7,500 million due to be given to the institution by the treasury could go waste under Kiran and the present management.

The suppliers have commended minister Bathiudeen over certain of his measures.

CWE outlets are having empty racks due to suppliers halting the supplies.

From January to July, the CWE has lost Rs. 850 m under Kiran, while the monthly turnover too, has halved from Rs. 3,000 m to Rs. 1,500 m.