Huge shortage of fruit and veg across the Island

COLOMBO (News 1st); Many Economic Centres across the island are experiencing a drastic drop in fruit and vegetable produce, and available crops are being sold at higher prices. However, according to our correspondents, the Manning Market in Colombo saw a reduction in prices when compared to the past few days. Stocks of fruit were limited due to the shortage of fertiliser, but there was an excess of bananas and the prices are extremely low, said the Chairman of the Manning United Progressive Union Priyantha Wijesundara. In the hill country, the Menikkumbura Economic Centre usually with a daily turnout of a Million kilos of Vegetables is experiencing a drop to 100,000 Kg per day. A complete stoppage of goods might be expected in the next 2-3 weeks because vegetables are unconsumable due to inclement weather, fertiliser problem on the other hand, as well as the shortage of diesel, will stop transportation, said the Chairman of the Katugastota Menikkumbura Economic Centre D.N.A Silva. '' We will have to close down our shops, go home and send our employees home too. The burden of this will fall onto the general public'', said Silva. Meanwhile, the Thabutthegama Economic Centre reported a 60% drop in vegetable stock and a lower turnout of farmers and buyers when compared to normal days. The Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre too saw a massive drop in supplies reaching the premises.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsGs2ryhHNk