• People had undergone much suffering and shortcomings as a result of the pandemic-triggered lockdown imposed by the government
• Farmers in Anuradhapura, Thambuttegama, Polonnaruwa or Batticaloa had to struggle to sell their produces  
• The consumers in many instances had to pay an exorbitant price to purchase fruits and vegetables while farmers got only a little more than the production cost of their produces

By Sandun A Jayasekera

Co-Cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma implied yesterday that the island-wide lockdown would be lifted on coming Monday (21).

 He said inconvenience and restrictions currently experienced by the public would most probably be eased by early next week.

He admitted at the post-cabinet virtual news briefing held last morning that people had undergone much sufferings and shortcomings as a result of the pandemic-triggered lockdown imposed by the government and  said that all Sri Lankans had a responsibility to extend their cooperation to bring this dreaded health threat under control.
For instance, food distribution had not been perfect like in normal times. Farmers in Anuradhapura, Thambuttegama, Polonnaruwa or Batticaloa had to struggle to sell their produces. The consumers in many instances had to pay an exorbitant price to purchase fruits and vegetables while farmers got only a little more than the production cost of their produces, he said.

“However, the silver lining is that we have been able to successfully contain the Covid- 19 by fully immunizing more than 50% of the population.