Big Onion wholesalers in Dambulla have called for government intervention after the prices of imported Big onions already in warehouses were suddenly spiked from Rs. 250 – Rs. 300.

The prices had suddenly increased after India announced that they are halting big onion exports until March 31, 2024, in a bid to curb the surging prices in their local market.

Speaking yesterday (Dec. 12), a group of imported Big Onion distributors in Dambulla has said that a kilo of Big Onions were priced from Rs. 190 – Rs. 230 before the announcement.

With the importers suddenly increasing prices from Rs. 450 – Rs. 500, businessmen as well the public have been severely inconvenienced, they say.

Noting that it was obvious a mafia was in motion with importers selling already imported Big Onions stocks at a higher price and reaping excessive profits in return, they have called the government to intervene.

They have also warned of a plot set in motion to destroy the local Big Onion farmer in this backdrop.

Meanwhile, leader of the National Consumer Front – Asela Sampath has stated that large stocks of Big Onions have been imported from India after a recent tax.