Sri Lanka, Dec. 1 -- Prices of essential food items soared across the country yesterday morning as ongoing adverse weather and disaster conditions severely disrupted supply chains.

Vegetable prices rose by more than threefold while fish prices doubled, with major wholesale markets including Peliyagoda and Dambulla reporting severe shortages. Many sections of these economic centres were left deserted as deliveries failed to arrive, leaving traders with only limited stocks,

mainly of up-country vegetables. At the Peliyagoda vegetable market, wholesale prices reached record levels, with carrots selling at Rs. 1,500 per kilogram, beans at Rs. 1,300, leeks at Rs. 1,200, and cabbage between Rs. 900 and Rs. 1,000 per kilogram.

Traders said th...