Errant rice traders beware

by Mohammed NAALIR

Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Johnston Fernando has directed officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority to nab traders who try to create artificial rice shortages in the market while holding ample stocks.

The Minister gave instructions to Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Rumi Marzook recently.Some traders are trying to hoard rice stocks to create an artificial scarcity to make huge profits, the Minister said.

The Consumer Affairs Authority is conducting raids to nab errant traders. Four-hundred-and-fifty raids were conducted last week within five days. These raids are being conducted throughout the country and the Minister has directed the authorities concerned to increase such raids.

The Minister has assured officers that they would be given 10 percent of the income on such raids. Discussions have been held with President Mahinda Rajapaksa in this regard, the Minister said.