Trade Minister spells out price reduction benefits
Lakshmi de Silva
It's not the budget that brought relief to the public this November
but the Gazette and the reduction of prices of essential items under the
directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Trade Commerce, Cooperatives
and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. It would bring
relief worth at least around Rs.2,500 for a family of four per month, he
said.
Speaking at a press conference at the Information Department
yesterday, the Minister said the price reduction of essential items such
as sugar, rice, dhal, gram, canned fish, big onion, potatoes, dried
chillies, garlic and LP Gas was like an increase of the monthly salary
or a reduction of cost of living or an additional income of Rs. 2,500,
the Minister said.
He said the country could celebrate the Christmas and New Year season
without fear or suspicion and do their shopping this year because of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's leadership that led to victory over
terrorism with the cooperation from all who paid their taxes.
"It was only on Wednesday that we reduced the prices of some
essential goods.
It will take at least a week or so to change the market prices as it
could not be done over night as there were stocks from the previous
lots. The new arrivals from the port had to be unloaded which would take
two to three days," the Minister added.
The prices of goods could also be further reduced in the coming
months, since more goods would come to the market from the Northern and
Eastern parts, Minister Gunawardena said.
"Most goods imported from India during the past few decades were
produced in Jaffna before the war. Jaffna farmers could now produce
onions, potatoes, vegetables and fruits.
The government had opened the A-9 road. New railway stations and the
track are being built along the Northern railway line. Fish from the
Northern and Eastern areas reach consumers in other areas.
One third of the land area not used for a long period would be
utilized and its produce would reach the market in the coming months
reducing the prices further," the Minister noted.
Earlier price Now
Rs. Rs.
LP Gas 1,863 1,550
Sugar (per kg) 109 84
Dhal 270 149
Bombay Onion 138 74
Potatoes 148 74
Canned Fish 220 149
Garlic 327 230
Dried Chillies 315 200
Gram 250 180
Keeri Samba 120 90
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