NEHINNA: Due to severe economic hardship and shortages of everything from gas to medicines, once-relatively wealthy Sri Lanka is turning back to firewood cooking.
At least seven people were killed and hundreds more were hurt when more than 1,000 kitchens exploded nationwide at the start of the year.
The increase in propane content and cost-cutting efforts by suppliers were the cause of the dangerously high pressure.
However, gas is now either unavailable or too expensive for the majority of people in the 22 million-person nation, along with many other things.
Some people tried switching to kerosene oil cookers, but the government lacked the funds to import it along with the scarce fuel and diesel.
Additionally, those who purchased electric cookers received a rude awakening when the government imposed protracted power outages due to a lack of funds to import fuel for generators.
When Niluka Hapuarachchi, 41,’s gas range exploded shortly after cooking Sunday lunch in August, she miraculously escaped unharmed.
“Thankfully, nobody was present at the time. Glass fragments were scattered all over the floor. The stove with a glass top had blown up. Gas will never be used in my kitchen. It’s not secure. We have enough firewood now “Despite efforts to address the propane issue, she said.
MG Karunawathi, 67, the owner of a roadside eatery, also made the switch to wood, stating that she had to decide between closing her establishment and putting up with the smoke and soot.
