Colombo district court issued an enjoining order restraining Mahinda Kahandagamage, Chairman of the Self Employed Association, from collecting money from members of the federation.

The enjoining order, according to the Colombo District Court, will be effective until October 23

The order was made by Colombo District Judge Sujatha Alahapperuma, sequel to a case filed by two members of the federation alleging that the Chairman and its Executive Committee are constantly violating the constitution of SEA and arbitrarily collecting money from members.

Kahandagamage, a member of the Colombo Municipal Council representing the ruling party, is a controversial figure whose name has been mentioned in connection with several financial misappropriations.

A few months ago, traders told reporters  that all vendors and pavement hawkers in Pettah were forced to pay protection money to extortionists deployed by Colombo Municipal Councilor Kahandagamage.

According to certain media reports, Kahandagamage, who is also a businessman who owns around 400 stalls near Bodhiraja Mawatha, Pettah, charges Rs.50 to Rs.100 worth of security money per day from each stall.

Kahandagamage also contested the Western Provincial Council election, a few months ago, under the UPFA ticket, but failed to secure a seat.