Dambulla Council opposition protests low onion prices with onion garlands

The demonstration highlighted growing tensions over the current market price of big onions 

By Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa  

In a striking protest against the low prices of big onions, members of the joint opposition in the Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha attended yesterday’s monthly council meeting wearing garlands made entirely of onions.  

The demonstration highlighted growing tensions over the current market price of big onions, sparking a heated debate between ruling and opposition members during the session.  

The monthly meeting, held under the chairmanship of W.M. Tilakaratne, saw opposition members K.G. Somatilaka, Priyaranjana Kumara, Nandana Senaviratne, and Jagath Senanayake march along the Sigiriya–Dambulla main road before entering the council chamber wearing the onion garlands, symbolising their protest.  

The act drew attention to the struggles faced by farmers and traders and underscored the opposition’s call for fair prices in the local onion market.