People in our country have pawned gold jewellery to banks and pawnshops worth more than Rs. 687290 million last year due to the ongoing economic problems, says Professor Wasantha Athukorala of Peradeniya University’s Department of Economics and Statistical Studies.
Meanwhile, sources from banks and mortgage centres say that properties worth more than Rs. 100000 million have been mortgaged due to the economic problems faced by the people of 15 districts with severe drought.
It is also said that some people are selling their properties due to economic problems.
Due to the severe drought, more than 200,000 people in fifteen districts are facing an acute shortage of drinking water.
Agriculture Ministry officials say that the crop damage has exceeded 60,000 acres.
Source: ‘Lankadeepa’
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