South Asia News
Sri Lankan farmers protest against plastic crate law
Dec 13, 2011, 9:48 GMT
Colombo - Farmers in Sri Lanka protested Tuesday against a law requiring them to use plastic boxes, or crates, to transport vegetables, to reduce wastage through damage.
Thousands of farmers backed by vegetable vendors held street protests in the capital and main agricultural areas in the central and north-western parts of the country, after police started arresting drivers for transporting vegetables without the boxes.
'We cannot afford to use plastic boxes to transport vegetables as it is expensive and takes more space in the vehicle,' Farmer's union leader Chandrasiri Nandalal said.
Farmers set fire to tyres on main roads and blocked traffic for several hours, vowing to fight on for their right to carry their vegetables in cloth or plastic bags.
The protest caused vegetable shortages in the markets and a price increase.
Consumer Affairs Minister Johnston Fernando vowed to keep the law, saying that the use of plastic crates could reduce the wastage of vegetables by about 30 per cent.
'We are trying to encourage the farmers and vendors to use plastic crates as they will eventually gain as their crops will safely reach the market,' he said.
Police have been ordered to arrest truck drivers who violate the law. At least 50 have been fined since the law was implemented from Monday. ad
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in South Asia
- 1. Sri Lanka leftist party says leader, activist are abducted
- 2. US agrees to let Afghan forces take lead in night raids
- 3. India, Pakistan leaders want better ties
- 4. Pilot killed in crash of Bangladesh Air Force jet
- 5. Pakistani president visits India for lunch meeting, prayers
Older Talkback
