As one of the worst financial crises seen in Sri Lanka continues to looms over the island, they are now also facing the closing down of hundreds of bakeries across the nation due to the scarceness of cooking gas.
As necessities such as medicine are already running low almost 1000 bakeries are also on the verge of closing down whilst families already face the soaring prices of bread which has almost doubled. The price of a 450g loaf of bread has been increased by Rs. 30, reported the Bakery Owners’ Association.
CEO & Founder of Harpo's Cafes, Harpo Gooneratne said, “If they (government) say tourism is a priority, then they should treat it as a priority. But that is not what is happening,” said Gooneratne". Many restaurant owners have found themselves in difficult situations, unable to maintain their businesses and pay their employees’ wages.
Female employees at the traditional restaurant, Ammachi in Kilinochchi have shared their deep sorrows as the sole breadwinner for their families. One woman said, “if there is electricity there is no gas, if there is gas there is no electricity” and another woman said, “our families’ livelihood continues to be affected” while close to tears.
Bread has become a growing essential for families in Sri Lanka first amidst the covid crisis and then the current economic crisis, the closing of bakeries is likely to cause great detriment to the livelihood of those reliant on bread for snacks and even meals with curries.
Those working in the hospitality sector are also struggling to make ends meet now due to the electricity and gas shortages and are growing panic about what’s in the store for them in the days to come.
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