Crates issue should be looked at from public angle - Piyasiri

Priyanka Kurugala

Even though it is a good decision on the part of the Trade Ministry to introduce creates for transporting vegetables and fruits, the method that is being implemented is faulty leading to the present crisis, Jathika Nidahas Peramuna Politburo member Piyasiri Wijenayake said.

He was addressing a press conference at the JNP headquarters in Battaramulla.

He said, the Trade Ministry has introduced and implemented the new system for transporting vegetables and fruits without any study of the present vegetables and fruits transporting system in the country. Compelling farmers to use of creates has created a problem. Even the hand tractor transporters have been hit by this regulation.

‘It is the middlemen who transport produce in lorries and the Manning Market traders are also faced with a crisis situation. Overall the issue should be looked at from the public point of view. As a supporter of the government, the JNP requests government to look at this issue from the public angle, he emphasized.

‘Considering the forthcoming festive season, the Trade Ministry has to take suitable action to ensure the smooth distribution of fruits and vegetables throughout the country, he said. Prices of crates are higher than for sacks. The cost of a single crate is between Rs 1,200-1,500. The amount of produce that can be packed in a crate is three times less than in a sack. Therefore the government has to take action to reduce the price of crates, he said.

According to the present method, lorries are transporting produce to Colombo and thereafter they unload goods in specific areas. Therefore there is a need to make provision to enable these lorries to transport other goods on their return journey which could not be done with the heavy load of empty crates, he said.