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| Sunday, 14 November 2004 |
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Essential items at affordable prices for festive season by Jayantha Sri Nissanka The Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs ensured plenty of essential items to be available for Lankans to celebrate the coming festive season, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle told the Sunday Observer yesterday. "We will ensure that most of the essential items would be available at affordable prices for people to celebrate the coming festivals. Some of the items will be imported to bring down the high prices in the local market", he said. Negotiations were going on to import dhal from Turkey, Canada, India and Australia."We have not yet finalised the country but would select the lowest bidder for quality dhal from one of these countries", he said. Meanwhile, the Ministry brought down the rising rice prices that prevailed in the market by importing rice from India and Pakistan. Rice prices almost reached Rs. 50. But after import, rice prices of Indian Samba Rs. 35, Nadu Rs. 33, White rice Rs. 29. Pakistan Basmathi and White rice at Rs. 45 and Rs.39 respectively. Meanwhile, the Ministry ensured availability of rice in the market till mid February without any shortage. Minister Fernandopulle said that a buffer stock of rice between 3000 to 4000 metric tons will be maintained to control the soaring rice prices. He said "the buffer stock will be maintained till the next harvest. However, the rice import will end on December 31st as our next harvest is expected after February". |
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