Shop-keepers say the flooding is a result of inadequate covering of the space near the windows.

Workers are said to be putting up a concerted effort to drain out water and prevent the ground floor from going under water each time it rains but there is very little that can be done.

The Independence Arcade is part of the Urban Development Authority's plan for the redevelopment and beautification of Colombo.

A sum of Rs.500 million was spent on the construction and designing of the Independence Arcade and commissioned recently by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.