A new publication by Colombo Urban Lab explores the implications of relocation of vendors to modern marketplaces, with justifications for these relocations centering around formalisation, beautification, cleansing (of the streets), sanitation or the provision of modern services for vendors. In this Research Brief, Anisha Gooneratne argues that displacement and relocation of vendors should go beyond the provision of superficial improvements – whether that be infrastructure improvements or improvements to the built environment. Policy recommendations targeted at vendors should focus on support required by them, rather than improvements based on perceptions, gentrification or formalisation that on many occasions does not support the growth of their business.

This research brief builds on research undertaken for the Living Off-Grid food and Infrastructure Collaboration (LOGIC) and the Fruits and Vegetables for Sustainable and Healthy Diets initiative (FRESH).

Click here to download the Research Brief.