Jan 24, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has taken steps to establish two new vegetable purchasing centers aiming to minimize the impact of the middlemen in the vegetable market.

The middlemen are believed to be the major cause for the soaring price of vegetables in the island while both farmers as well as consumers are at the receiving ends due to the middlemen.

Matale District Secretary Helen Meegasmulla said the two state-run vegetable purchasing centers will be established in Dambulla and Naula Agrarian Services Centers. Vegetables purchased directly from farmers will be distributed at these centers through state owned Lak Sathosa retail network.

The official says the middle players earn as much as Rs. 50 per kilo of vegetable in between Dambulla and the main Manning Market in Colombo.