Essential food items cheaper at DECs and Laksathosa outlets

by L.S. Ananda Wedaarachchi

Essential food commodity prices are lower by fifteen to twenty percent at government Dedicated Economic Centres (DECs) and Laksathosa Super Centres compared to the open market, a survey has revealed.

A spokesman for the survey team said that high quality food items are available at reasonable prices at the Narahenpita, Ratmalana and Piliyandala DECs and Laksathosa outlets.

Consumer Affairs and Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said that arrangements have been made to despatch essential food items to all Lak Sathosa Super Centres and Cooperative Shops islandwide. Rice prices including those of Samba, Nadu and Kora varieties have dropped below the controlled prices, he said.

Consumer Affairs and Trade Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardena said all essential food items are available at reasonable prices at Laksathosa Super Centres, DECs and Cooperative Shops. There is no tax increase whatsoever on essential food items since last November. There was no change in the taxes which were gazetted in November 2009 and in subsequent gazettes. It is routine for the Government to gazette taxes on essential food items every three months, he said.