The prices of vegetables continued to rise this week as well, with authorities attributing it to more than one factor.
Officials said the recent floods in the agricultural belt and unscrupulous hoarders were to blame for the current crisis. They conceded the situation would continue well into the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April.
This week the retail price for a kg of beans at the Pettah Market was Rs. 220, Bitter Gourd Rs. 180, Tomatoes Rs. 220, Carrot Rs. 130, Green Chillies Rs. 400, Leeks Rs. 125, Brinjal Rs. 130, Ash Plantains Rs. 110, Ladies Fingers Rs. 120, Snake Gourd Rs. 120, Pumpkin Rs. 140, Beetroot Rs. 100 and Manioc Rs. 50.
Yesterday officials warned that prevailing prices could rise further, following a stand-off between market users at the Dambulla Economic Centre and the relevant authorities.
Officials who did not wish to be identified told the Sunday Times that intransigence of the relevant authorities on several pressing issues had led to this situation. |
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