Cheaper food items at Lak Sathosa during festive season

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Essential food items will be sold at concessionary rates during the festive season under the Lak Sathosa Nattal Deemana promotional program from December 1 to January 15, said Chairman, Nalin Fernando.

The items are rice, milk powder, dhal, sugar, sprats and canned fish. He said the prices of 15 essential items and all cake ingredients will be reduced during the festive season.

"The government decided to reduce the price of essential food items to ease the burden of consumers who pay excessively due to the increase in world fuel and food prices. Lak Sathosa has negotiated with private sector companies to sell essential food items such as milk powder, rice, dhal, sugar, green gram and dried fish at a concessionary rate.

Fernando said 200 Lak Sathosa outlets will be opened by end next year in line with the proposal made in the 2008 Budget. Of the 200 Lak Sathosa outlets 125 will be set up before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The Government has allocated Rs. 650 million to develop retail outlets in the country. Outlets will also be opened in the Northern and Eastern provinces", he said.

He said with the reduction of import duty the price of Bombay onions will drop next week. A kilo of Bombay onions will be sold around Rs. 55.

The government has decided to import Bombay onions due to the shortage following the harvest. Bombay onions are imported from India, China and Pakistan.

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