– Vegetable prices are expected to increase in the coming days as adverse weather conditions continue to disrupt supplies across the country, while the Department of Meteorology yesterday warned that the prevailing rainy conditions are likely to persist for several more days.

The Department said showers are expected at times in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts, raising concerns among traders over further supply shortages and price hikes in local markets.

Manning Market Traders Association former President S. M. Upasena said there could be a short supply of vegetables. “There is some supply of vegetables at the moment but there could be a short supply in the days to come. The short supply could also result in increase of prices in the days to come,” he told Daily Mirror.

Also he said the vegetable sales have reduced to some extent during the past two days because of the adverse weather conditions. “We did not see much people visiting the market because of bad weather,” he said.

Inclement weather conditions continued yesterday as well with 3,475 people belonging to 1,113 families being affected in the Puttalam, Colombo, Kalutara, Batticaloa, Moneragala , Galle and Ratnapura districts. Highest rainfall of 256mm was recorded from Puttalam. Kesbewa and Nawagathegama recorded a rainfall of 77mm while Galle recorded 72mm.

Some 18 major reservoirs including Rajangana, Nachaduwa in Anuradhapura, Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa Weewawila, Yoda Wewa in Tissamaharama, Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalanduwa in Galgamuwa, Mediyawewa, Magala in Nikaweratiya, Nalanda, Wemedilla in Dambulla Inginimitiya, Tabbowa in Puttalam and Giants Tank in Mannar were spilling. Some 20 small scale reservoirs were also spilling.

The Police Traffic Divisions in the upcountry police stations have requested drivers to be cautious of any possible danger due to dense mist, heavy rain and stormy wind. They said earth slips and rock falling could obstruct the roads almost unexpectedly.

Police advised drivers to switch on the head lights and fog lights when passing through areas affected by mist.