May 15, Colombo (LNW): Consumers across Sri Lanka may soon face higher vegetable prices as continuing adverse weather disrupts transport routes, damages cultivation areas and affects supplies reaching wholesale markets.
The Department of Meteorology has warned that rainy conditions are expected to continue for several more days, particularly in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces as well as the districts of Puttalam, Galle and Matara.
Traders say the persistent downpours are already beginning to affect market activity and could lead to shortages in the coming days if the weather situation worsens.
Former president of the Manning Market Traders Association, S. M. Upasena, said vegetable stocks arriving at wholesale markets remain relatively stable for now, but warned that transport disruptions and reduced harvesting could soon tighten supplies.
He noted that fewer buyers had visited markets over the past several days due to heavy rain and flooding in some areas, resulting in a temporary slowdown in trading activity. However, he cautioned that reduced deliveries from farming districts could push prices sharply upwards if weather conditions persist.
Meanwhile, severe weather has continued to affect communities across several districts, with thousands of people impacted by flooding and related incidents. Authorities reported that Puttalam experienced the highest recorded rainfall, while significant showers were also reported from Kesbewa, Nawagattegama and Galle.
The ongoing rains have also caused reservoir levels to rise rapidly. Numerous major irrigation tanks, including Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa and Inginimitiya, are currently spilling after reaching capacity, alongside several smaller reservoirs across the country.
The Sri Lanka Police has meanwhile issued warnings to motorists travelling through hill country areas, where dense mist, landslides and falling rocks have created hazardous driving conditions.
Traffic divisions in upcountry regions advised drivers to use headlights and fog lamps when travelling through areas affected by poor visibility and urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on roads vulnerable to earth slips and sudden flooding.
Agricultural experts warn that if heavy rainfall continues into next week, crops in several farming districts could sustain further damage, potentially increasing pressure on food prices and market supply chains nationwide.