Public complain of rising cost of living

COLOMBO (News1st): Several people in the country have complained that essential commodities are not being sold under the concessionary rates of the government. "A coconut is about Rs 100. A kilo of rice is sold between Rs 110 and Rs 140. We are facing severe hardships," one local complained. News1st's correspondent came across a woman in Kurunegala who was facing difficulties in purchasing goods due to the high cost. "I bought only one garlic. We have to purchase them even if we are poor. I earn 300 rupees. I purchase goods using this wage," the woman lamented. But a kind-hearted individual who witnessed the plight of the woman volunteered to purchase the goods for her. Traders complained that they cannot sell goods under the subsidized rates as they cannot purchase goods under similar prices. "We can sell goods at low rates if we can purchase them at a similar cost," a trader said. Some traders pointed out that the cost of goods that are being sold since the subsidized rates were reduced are higher than the previous rates.