News
A single bean costs Rs. 15, a carrot Rs. 25: Ruwan W
UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene on Friday said that the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour programme of the government had inflicted catastrophic changes including the consumer culture of people during the past two years.
Addressing a meeting at party headquarters, Sirikotha, as a part of the UNP’s new membership drive, Wijewardene said that most people used to buy a minimum 250 grams of any type of vegetable. “Yet the price increases have compelled us to change that practice.
“Now they buy a pod of beans at Rs 15, a carrot at Rs 25, and a single kos madula (jak fruit bulb) at Rs 10. No longer can they afford to purchase vegetables in 250 gram quantities as they used to. It is the Vistas of Prosperity program that introduced this change.
“Not only those who did not vote for the government but also the 6.9 million, who voted for it are now suffering in the same way. There is no way the non-affluent can eat meat, fish or dry fish. The price of every type of vegetable is above Rs 600. A loaf of bread cost Rs 80, a packet of rice is Rs 200 and a plain-tea is sold at Rs 25. Many roadside boutiques no longer sell milk tea. Dosai and vadai were the least expensive in the past. Today a dosai is sold at Rs 75 and a wadai is at Rs 80.
“Every problem is attributed to the shortage of US dollars. Today the foreign reserves stand at USD 1.5 billion. After importing medicine and fuel it would reduce to 1.1 billion at the end of this month. The remaining sum would not be sufficient for at least two weeks imports in the coming year.
This is the worst ever plunge of foreign reserves this country has ever faced. All these problems are due to economic mismanagement of the government,” Wijewardene said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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