Under the government’s policy of purchasing local farmers’ harvests, Lanka Sathosa has begun buying big onions near the Dambulla Economic Center. However, farmers are reportedly reluctant to sell due to strict purchasing standards.
According to the purchasing guidelines, only onions that are large, very dry, and of uniform size — approximately eight onions per kilogram are accepted.
Large billboards have been placed near the Economic Center, announcing that Lanka Sathosa will buy big onions from local farmers at a price of Rs. 140 per kilogram under the state purchasing program.
A warehouse has been set up near the Dambulla Economic Center Management Office to facilitate the process. When inspected on the afternoon of the 27th, only a small notice was displayed, stating that accepted onions must be between 35 mm and 65 mm in diameter. Stocks containing more than 10 percent of onions outside that size range would be rejected.
The notice further specified that the onions must meet A-grade SLS 1224:2002 standards and maintain uniform quality and size.
Despite the initiative, farmers appear hesitant to sell, citing the stringent quality requirements.
