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| Sunday, 4 July 2004 |
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More teeth to CAAA by Jayantha Sri Nissanka Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ministry will shortly bring amendments to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act (CAAA) preventing companies from increasing prices of essential goods on their own. Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle is also discussing with officials to increase the number of items in the Essential Food Items list. "So far there are only four items such as gas,infant milk, milk powder and mosquito coils and nets. The UNP removed cement which was in the list", Minister Fernandopulle told the Sunday Observer. The Ministry will include in the Essential Food Item list more essential items such as dhal, sugar, pharmaceuticals, wheat flour and cement. "We are in the process of discussing what more items should be included in the list", Minister Fernandopulle said. The Milk producing companies have sought the Minister's approval to increase the prices of milk foods but the Minister was adamant that he will not let companies increase prices unless they adduce valid reasons and prove beyond any doubt that increases are justified. The present laws are not enough to punish companies if they increase prices arbitrarily. That is why we want to amend the Act, the Minister added. He said that next week he is scheduled to visit India to discuss with the Amul Milk Company the possibility of marketing a 400g packet of milk for Rs. 100 to Sri Lankans which cost today Rs. 131.50. |
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