Sri Lanka, July 13 -- Shop owners report a significant increase in the price of betel leaves in the local market.

Betel and areca nut vendors in the Hatton area state that this has severely impacted their businesses.

According to vendors, a mature betel leaf is now bought wholesale for Rs. 10, a 'raehan' betel leaf for Rs. 8, and a small betel leaf for Rs. 7.

As a result, a bundle of 40 betel leaves is being sold for between Rs. 350 and Rs. 450.

Vendors also note that the price of areca nuts has increased in tandem with betel leaves.

This dual price hike has led to a sharp decline in their daily sales.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....