Taking decisions based on outdated beliefs, or failing to take decisions to match the evolving world, is an accusation that has always been levelled against Sri Lanka’s lawmakers, and the country has witnessed many progressive suggestions being turned down due to lawmakers who are not willing to let go of their political interests when considering matters of national interest.
One such proposal, which, if implemented properly, could be beneficial in several ways, was put forward in Parliament on 20 April. Parliamentarian Diana Gamage raised a matter that had not been a mainstream topic of discussion, which is creating a night economy, in order to make it possible for people to obtain goods that are currently available only within a limited period of duration. Even though she spoke mainly of the people’s ability to avail of alcohol at night, a night economy can be extended to so many other areas.
As far as day to day services are concerned, Sri Lanka’s current night economy includes only a meagre number of service providers including a limited number of restaurants, fuel stations and banks.
Sri Lanka has a nightlife based economy, but it is not as formally organised as in countries like Thailand. Also, mainly due to the lack of recognition as part of the society and the country’s economy, Sri Lanka’s nightlife is confined to a handful of activities and places, mainly bars and nightclubs, and it has created an idea that the concept of nightlife is something that inevitably goes against Sri Lanka’s values and is inherently bad to the people and society. Also, it further reinforces the notion that nightlife cannot include anything that interests the ordinary citizens who are seeking services from places other than those providing entertainment.
However, what such misconceptions have resulted in is the stifling of the growth and evolvement of the existing night economy, which could become a sector that caters to people from all walks of life, not only to those seeking intoxicants and entertainment during the nighttime. If developed properly with an effective plan to assist those willing to provide services that are currently available only during the daytime, Sri Lanka’s night economy could build not only a new economy but also a new culture that is not limited to certain groups of people.
In a context where the country is struggling to revive its Covid-19 hit economy, developing the country’s nightlife could present massive economic prospects. In fact, this could present better opportunities for the country’s informal sector service providers too, who constitute a large part of the country’s overall workforce. Not only established traders, a well managed night economy also includes a number of related sectors including taxi services and street food vendors, of which the majority represents informal sector workers.
Owing to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, people’s safety is now a major concern, and the more people gather, the higher the risk of the spread of Covid-19. One might argue that promoting a night economy culture may cause an increase in the spread of Covid-19. However, on the contrary, it can reduce the spread of the virus, because it gives an opportunity to service seekers, who are currently left with no choice but to obtain almost all services during the daytime, to obtain services at night as well. Essentially, developing the country’s night economy to fulfil the various needs of the people will reduce congestion at service providing institutions during the daytime, by creating two groups of services seekers on the basis of their availability.
Developing a night economy would also include developing infrastructure, Police protection and streamlining the existing services operating at night. Essentially, walking on a street or going out to obtain services at night would be a more general thing than it is now, and will increase not decrease public safety during the night time. When all activities related to a night economy takes place officially, in controlled and supervised environments, there is less room for the violation of public security.
At a time when Sri Lanka is struggling to rebuild the tourism sector, a well established night economy can play an important role in the country’s tourism sector, as it is one of the main tourism attractions which can also create a good demand for businesses other than mainstream tourism related businesses such as hotels and restaurants.
This is merely one sector that can be developed with limited resources, and Sri Lanka is in need of plenty of such in order to strengthen the country’s economy. Also, this will give the authorities the opportunity to save the country from the adverse aspects of the existing nightlife.
The night time is the right time
22 Apr 2021
The night time is the right time
22 Apr 2021
Taking decisions based on outdated beliefs, or failing to take decisions to match the evolving world, is an accusation that has always been levelled against Sri Lanka’s lawmakers, and the country has witnessed many progressive suggestions being turned down due to lawmakers who are not willing to let go of their political interests when considering matters of national interest.
One such proposal, which, if implemented properly, could be beneficial in several ways, was put forward in Parliament on 20 April. Parliamentarian Diana Gamage raised a matter that had not been a mainstream topic of discussion, which is creating a night economy, in order to make it possible for people to obtain goods that are currently available only within a limited period of duration. Even though she spoke mainly of the people’s ability to avail of alcohol at night, a night economy can be extended to so many other areas.
As far as day to day services are concerned, Sri Lanka’s current night economy includes only a meagre number of service providers including a limited number of restaurants, fuel stations and banks.
Sri Lanka has a nightlife based economy, but it is not as formally organised as in countries like Thailand. Also, mainly due to the lack of recognition as part of the society and the country’s economy, Sri Lanka’s nightlife is confined to a handful of activities and places, mainly bars and nightclubs, and it has created an idea that the concept of nightlife is something that inevitably goes against Sri Lanka’s values and is inherently bad to the people and society. Also, it further reinforces the notion that nightlife cannot include anything that interests the ordinary citizens who are seeking services from places other than those providing entertainment.
However, what such misconceptions have resulted in is the stifling of the growth and evolvement of the existing night economy, which could become a sector that caters to people from all walks of life, not only to those seeking intoxicants and entertainment during the nighttime. If developed properly with an effective plan to assist those willing to provide services that are currently available only during the daytime, Sri Lanka’s night economy could build not only a new economy but also a new culture that is not limited to certain groups of people.
In a context where the country is struggling to revive its Covid-19 hit economy, developing the country’s nightlife could present massive economic prospects. In fact, this could present better opportunities for the country’s informal sector service providers too, who constitute a large part of the country’s overall workforce. Not only established traders, a well managed night economy also includes a number of related sectors including taxi services and street food vendors, of which the majority represents informal sector workers.
Owing to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, people’s safety is now a major concern, and the more people gather, the higher the risk of the spread of Covid-19. One might argue that promoting a night economy culture may cause an increase in the spread of Covid-19. However, on the contrary, it can reduce the spread of the virus, because it gives an opportunity to service seekers, who are currently left with no choice but to obtain almost all services during the daytime, to obtain services at night as well. Essentially, developing the country’s night economy to fulfil the various needs of the people will reduce congestion at service providing institutions during the daytime, by creating two groups of services seekers on the basis of their availability.
Developing a night economy would also include developing infrastructure, Police protection and streamlining the existing services operating at night. Essentially, walking on a street or going out to obtain services at night would be a more general thing than it is now, and will increase not decrease public safety during the night time. When all activities related to a night economy takes place officially, in controlled and supervised environments, there is less room for the violation of public security.
At a time when Sri Lanka is struggling to rebuild the tourism sector, a well established night economy can play an important role in the country’s tourism sector, as it is one of the main tourism attractions which can also create a good demand for businesses other than mainstream tourism related businesses such as hotels and restaurants.
This is merely one sector that can be developed with limited resources, and Sri Lanka is in need of plenty of such in order to strengthen the country’s economy. Also, this will give the authorities the opportunity to save the country from the adverse aspects of the existing nightlife.
Kapruka
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!