Sathosa slashes prices for festive season

By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Lanka Sathosa Ltd., a competitive retail arm in the country has slashed the prices of essential food items for the forthcoming festive season.

The ‘Come and See’ Christmas offer includes items such as white raw rice, dhal, canned fish, sprats, green gram, dried fish, chick peas, red raw rice and Basmathi.

Sathosa has partnered with major retailers and distributors to market a range of products at competitive prices during the festive season. The product range has been increased to offer customers a wide selection through the islandwide retail network.

Director, Procurement and Operations, Mrs. V. Wijetilleke said Sathosa offers the lowest retail price for essential food items and acts as a check on prices in the retail market. Sathosa, set up to provide relief to consumers sells quality food products at the lowest price in the market. She said all sales outlets will be automated to provide a better customer service. The Sathosa outlet in Fort was automated this year. “The company will ensure a continuous supply of products to all outlets through the central and regional warehouses”, Wijetilleke said.

The mission of Lanka Sathosa is to create a competitive and attractive retail arm where quality products are available at the lowest prices with value addition to customers, employees and partners.

“Lanka Sathosa opened its first sales outlet under the new set up in Negombo in December 2005.Last year the number of retail outlets was increased to 20.

This is an ongoing program and we hope to open 200 shops by the end of next year”, Wijetilleke said.

Sathosa’s profit for the nine months ended September 2008 was Rs. 24 million compared to Rs. 3.5 million during the corresponding period last year.