3 meals down to 1; 700,000 to lose jobs

Prof. Wasantha Athukorala, Head of Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Peradeniya said that research shows that out of the 1.7 Mn lower income families, 900,000 are compelled to eat just one or a maximum of two meals a day due to the prevalent economic crisis.

Meanwhile, out of 935,000 micro enterprises, 280,000 have shut down due to the crisis.

He further stated 20% of the 81,500 small and medium scale enterprises are in danger of closing down, adding that this will put the employment of 700,00 people in direct danger.

More than 3 Mn work in micro and small and medium scale enterprises. Many have been forced to shut down due to the increase of raw material prices, fuel shortages, and difficulties in paying staff salaries.