Drop in harvest, up with the price

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cost of vegetables at the Menikkumbura Economic Centre in Katugastota had increased due to the drop in harvest.

D.N. Silva, the President of the Menikkumbura Economic Centre Traders Union stated that chilli cost Rs. 750 rupees, carrots cost Rs. 450, whilst many shops are currently closed.

"Vegetables are not being sold because the cost is high. We have received less than 100,000 kilos of vegetables. When we sell carrots at Rs. 450 here, it will have to be sold at Rs. 600 in the market," he stated.

Vegetables had been sold at high rates in Pettah as well, as traders said they could only sell vegetables of a poor quality at low rates.

Several traders, speaking to News 1st, said that they are unable to sell fresh vegetables at the current rates, and customers complaint of the high prices.

Meanwhile, the public is complaining that the cost of other goods including chicken and fruits have increased as well.