News
Salt makers taste bitter lives
View(s):The salt producers of Kinniya in the Trincomalee District say they have been facing immense difficulties for long, but are being neglected by the authorities.
A group of workers filling up bags of salt
The salterns are spread over around 150 acres in Munaichchanai and Kahchakkoditheevu of Kinniya.
This enterprise provides jobs for about 300 people and indirect jobs to another 100.
Saltern workers say that while the impact of changing weather patterns are evident, there are no proper by-roads to transport the salt to the main road. So they have to physically haul the produce. There are no storage facilities either.
Producers say they are also affected by fluctuations in prices and that it is the responsibility of the government to offer a guaranteed price.
The Pradeshiya Sabha and other relevant authorities that levy taxes on salterns are not keen to look into their issues, they allege.
These bags haveto be physically carried to the main road