Rambutan glow but sales are low

It is the season for glowing red rambutan as one can see along the streets of Havelock Town. They are tempting and eye-catching however, the story behind those who sell them, are not as colourful. The increasing cost of living has decreased the number of patrons who earlier bought them by the bagful. Vendors down Havelock Road lamented the decrease in the number of customers over the years and also complained about the trouble to set up their tiny shops along the road.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror many of them cited the increasing cost of living for the decrease in business. Rambutan being a seasonal fruit, vendors can only sell them during particular months - odd jobs provided them with the necessary income during the remaining months.

Sumathipala, a vendor who had been earning his living by selling rambutan for 32 years said he had seen a drastic decrease in their income over the years. “I have been selling rambutan for around 32 years. First we were near the University of Colombo and then we came towards Havelock town. We used to have a quite a good income back then but not any more. Although lots of foreigners come there is a reduction in the number of local buyers,” he said.

According to Sumathipala people today are not in a position to spend money on extra things. “With the sky rocketing cost of living we can not expect them to buy,” he said.

Kumudu Priyankara, another vendor said they had to go through quite a process before they established their small outlets. to get permission from the police before establishing these outlets. Although we are here for a few months we still have to do so,” he said.

Priyankara said the small byroad was given to them to engage in their business. But unfortunately sometimes private buses enter and block the venue. “When private buses block the byroad it is difficult to transact business. We do not earn millions, only a few hundreds,” he said.

The vendors said a rambutan was priced at ten rupees and a Mangosteen is sold between 15-20 rupees.

Ranjan, who has being selling rambutan for 20 years said it was difficult to solely rely on the rambutan sale. “We sell some fruits during the season. But we all engage in some other jobs. Life is a battle. There is not much profit on our sales. Compared to other years our sales have not been good this year,” he said. Chanaka, a young vendor adding his thoughts said he worked as a trishaw driver as well. “Rambutan is only for a season, maybe only for three months of the year. But we have nine more months to survive. So we have no choice but to engage in some other odd jobs,” he said. The vendors said it would be great if they were given separate premises to sell rambutan.

Although thousands of people passed by, only a few stopped to buy, hence, the story behind the glowing red rambutan-sellers was not all bright. Behind the beautiful red was their battle for life and the battle to earn a few rupees.

Pics by Nisal Baduge