Life in Sri Lanka’s capital city has not been easy in recent times. Kareema Datha, 25, a resident of Colombo, spends at least an hour a day in long queues outside supermarkets or grocery stores to buy essentials like milk powder, sugar, rice, vegetables and cooking oil. When she finally gets in, she is faced with empty aisles, in most of the shops.
Even when items are in stock, Kareema, a household help, can barely afford them. For example, the price of sugar jumped from LKR100 per kg in April to LKR230 per kg now (approximately ₹85). Similarly, the price of lentils went up by LKR40 per kg between April and August. “I was spending 750 rupees a week for my groceries and vegetables,” said Kareema over the phone. “It is now around 1,500 rupees, almost double.”
Hoarding was evidently identified as the issue and, on August 30, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced strict controls on the supply of essential goods. A statement issued by his office said that essential items would be purchased by the government and provided at fair prices. But, what seems to be the root cause of the inflation—the apparent scarcity—was not properly addressed. This is not surprising given that authorities seem to be asserting that there is no food shortage (see interview with Sri Lanka’s central bank governor).
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict