Sri Lanka, Oct. 23 -- A tense situation unfolded yesterday (22) in Nawalapitiya after the Nawalapitiya Urban Council (UC) attempted to collect nearly Rs. 150 million in rent arrears from shop owners at the Nawalapitiya Supermarket Complex.

The conflict began when UC officials arrived to seal the shops following a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed a case filed by the traders, granting the UC the legal authority to proceed.

The traders opposed the action, arguing that the land belongs to the Railway Department, and that the Urban Council therefore had no right to seize it.

They also contended that the rent had been raised sharply, from Rs. 1,500-4,500 to Rs. 23,500-40,000, leaving some business owners with arrears of up to Rs. 13 mil...