Enough food stocks during festive season -Johnston Fernando

By Uditha KUMARASINGE

Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said it is entirely up to the President and the Government to take decisions on the internal affairs of the country. The Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said being a small country Sri Lanka was the only country which successfully defeated a ruthless terrorist outfit like the LTTE through military means. Sri Lanka has set an example to the world on how to defeat terrorism by changing the theories adopted by the West that terrorism cannot be militarily defeated.

The Minister said what should happen in the country and the future should be decided by the people and its democratically elected government and leaders.

If there are recommendations that should be given priority, the Government would give priority to these. If any long-term solutions are needed, the Government would do so. This is a right possessed by every sovereign country.

Minister Fernando said first the Opposition should give priority to the country, not the party. This should be the duty of the Opposition. In a matter of national importance, the Opposition should be able to appear on behalf of the country regardless of political affiliations.

If we look at the recent past, we could see various attempts being made by the Opposition to betray the country to gain narrow political objectives.

The Opposition has proved they are ready to align even with a terrorist organisation if there is a possibility of grabbing power.

Q: What is your independent stand on the US resolution against Sri Lanka at the recent UNHRC sessions?

A: It was the West which defined the LTTE as the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. The UNP which extended the hand of goodwill and peace was also taken for a ride by the LTTE. When the Twin Towers in the US was attacked by terrorists, the US maintained the stance that terrorism should be eradicated. An international view had been created that the LTTE cannot be militarily defeated.

However, the Government defeated the LTTE and created an environment for all communities to live in peace and harmony. In a situation where wounds are healing and the country has entered the path of reconciliation and reconstruction, I regret this being resolution moved against a small country like Sri Lanka by the US which always speaks about five star democracy and the eradication of global terrorism.

Q: Should we comply with it wholesale or act on a priority basis?

A: It is up to the democratically elected President and the Government to take decisions on the internal affairs of the country.

The Government carried out demining activities expeditiously and removed landmines in the North and East.

This could help the Government to resettle thousands of displaced within a short duration which could not be witnessed in any country. Being a small country, Sri Lanka was the only country which successfully defeated a ruthless terrorist outfit like the LTTE through military means. Therefore we have set an example to the world on how to defeat terrorism by changing the theories adopted by the West that terrorism cannot be militarily defeated.

What should happen in the future should also be decided by the people and the democratically elected Government and its leaders. If there are any recommendations that should be given priority, the Government would give priority to them. If any long-term solutions are needed, the Government would resort to do so. However, this is a right which every country possesses.

Q: What should have been the Opposition’s contribution to the US resolution in the interest of the country despite its preoccupation with internal political bickering?

A: First the Opposition should give priority to the country, not the party. This should be the duty of the Opposition. In a matter of national importance,the Opposition should be able to appear on behalf of the country regardless of political affiliations. Those who appear for the country will be brought into power and will be retained in power by the people.

If we look at the recent past, we witness various attempts by the Opposition to betray the country to gain narrow political objectives. The Opposition has proved that they are ready to align even with a terrorist organisation if they have a possibility to grab power.

That is why when the vote on the Geneva resolution was to be taken up, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe toured Jaffna and made a statement Opposite the LTTE Leader Prabhakaran’s House “spring has not dawned to the North”. Wickremesinghe always attempts to betray the country and its people.

Therefore, the Gods have punished him. As a result, he and his party is losing all the elections, while the leader and his party who loves his motherland is achieving resounding victories in all the elections.

This is what has happened in the country today. Therefore, it is obvious that the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and his henchmen behave in a manner to betray the country.

Q: Apart from geopolitics specially in the context of South Asian regional cooperation, what is the impact of India’s voting against Sri Lanka?

A: This is a clear reflection of when the US hurls one stone at Sri Lanka, it has hurled 10 stones at India. Some times India may have taken this decision due to pressure extended by the US. Even the late Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the LTTE.

The decision taken by India to vote in favour of the US resolution against Sri Lanka is not ethically correct. As the regional boss, India should play its role and ensure co-existence with its neighbouring countries. India may have taken this decision owing to the internal political crisis.

Q: It is crystal clear that the tax burden on poor people is getting heavier. Why can’t MPs and Ministers and other big wigs in provincial administration make a sacrifice at this critical moment?

A: Taxes have been increased for vehicles, liquor and cigarettes. After the end of the war against terrorists, an opportunity was given by the President to the people to purchase cars, three-wheelers and motorcycles by reducing taxes and interest rates. By doing so, the President took measures to uplift the living conditions of the people.

Taking into consideration traffic congestion and the increasing number of registered vehicles, a decision was taken to increase the import tax on vehicles to restrict imports. The increase cannot be called a tax burden imposed on the day-to-day life of the people. Whatever government that was in power took measures to increase taxes on liquor to discourage the people from consuming liquor.

The Government has not imposed any new tax to put an additional burden on the people. The Government had to increase prices of fuel in January owing to the fuel hike in the international market. If fuel prices in the international market reduce, definitely the Government would pass that benefit onto consumers.

Because the Government has done so in the past as well. As a relief to the cost of living, burden prices of essential food commodities have been reduced. A kilo of dhal which was sold at over Rs. 200 has been reduced to Rs. 110 to Rs. 115 at present.

The price of sugar, canned fish and sprats has also been drastically reduced. As the Internal Trade Minister, I can assure the prices of day-to-day consumer items have not been increased.

Actually politicians are dedicated to the well-being of the people and to the development drive implemented by the Government. In this context, I don’t believe politicians have to make any additional sacrifice. This is the first time that this kind of mega development is taking place throughout the country.

The benefits of development have been channelled to all segments of society. When we look at how Singapore has been developed and politicians are looked after, we have not given such priority or benefits to our politicians. I maintain the view that if politicians want to solicit contribution to the country, steps should be taken to encourage them by creating the necessary environment to develop the country.

Q: As Internal Trade Minister would you like to talk of your Ministerial colleague’s Rs.7500 family package?

A: I think he has made those remarks regarding the cost to be incurred by a student in a hostel. It’s good to get an answer from the Minister concerned.

Q: What action has been taken by your Ministry to ensure an uninterrupted supply of commodities during the festive season?

A: Adequate orders were placed for consumer goods which are required at the CWE, Co-Op Cities and Co-operatives during the festive season by the final week of the February.

We have already ordered the required commodities. We have sufficient stocks. Prices of commodities will not be increased by creating a shortage. We have made the necessary arrangements which would enable the people to purchase commodities and celebrate the festive season as we did last year as well.

Q: Hoardings, shortages, under weight, exorbitant prices are recurring features during the festive season. What is your Ministry’s mechanism to check these abuses?

A: I have ordered the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to conduct raids on errant traders who sell expired goods , under weight goods and increase the prices of goods haphazardly by exceeding the certified price. The earlier 5,000 raids conducted by the CAA have increased to 40,000. This shows that the raids conducted by the CAA have increased seven-fold.

I have ordered the CAA to continuously conduct these raids during this festive season as well starting from supermarkets up to boutiques in villages. This is not a move taken against the traders. This is an attempt made to give an impression to traders how to conduct their trade activities in a more disciplined manner and also to safeguard consumers.

Q: Prices at Co-operatives, Co-Op Cities and the CWE are comparatively low. Despite this, consumers very often complain of shortages in these outlets. Will it happen this time as well?

A: After I assumed office there have been no shortage in any Co_Op City or CWE outlet. At present there are sufficient stocks. The Ministry will not provide any room to create a shortage of consumer goods at any of these outlets.

Q: People know of the CAA as an agency which conducts raids on errant traders. But what is its full scope of operation?

A: There is a very limited staff at the CAA. It has just 100 officers. When I assumed office, any district office of the CAA did not have tables, chairs or computers. Now all these facilities have been provided. We have also taken steps to recruit graduates to the CAA and they were given provided.

We have also taken steps to recruit graduates to the CAA and they were given. We also looked into requirements of these CAA officers,. As a result, we have increased 5,000 raids conducted by the CAA have increased to 40,000. Our intention is to create a disciplined trade community in the country.

It was so difficult to display a price list in shops, however we could do that. Instructions were given to the Department of Weight and Measures to conduct raids on errant traders who do not display price list in shops or sell underweight goods. Steps were also taken to conduct raids on filling stations and errant traders who attempt to create artificial shortages of goods in their shops.

When we look into the productivity of the institutions in Sri Lanka, I am very confident that we would be able to bring the CAA into number one position in the country.

Q: The purchase of paddy during the Yala and Maha seasons has become a controversial issue. Paddy farmers always complain they can’t sell their produce despite the Government’s assurance. Can’t we have a permanent solution to this perennial problem?

A:Problems have not arisen regarding the purchase of paddy. It is the JVP and the UNP which attempts to highlight that there are problems on the purchase of paddy. When the bumper paddy harvest comes to the market, the JVP and the UNP say there is no mechanism to purchase paddy.

The Government has a good mechanism to purchase paddy and paddy is being purchased by the Government. I challenge to point out even a single occasion where paddy which has been purchased not being upto the recommended standard. But the Government does not purchase wet paddy from farmers. The JVP through this paddy issue attempts to create a vote base with the help of paddy farmers.

Earlier it was the JVP which burnt the Agrarian Service Centres, rice mills and killed farmers. The UNP did not give a fertiliser subsidy to farmers and they did not look into the grievances of farmers.

The UNP which did not do anything for the farmers, today appear for them. It is the UPFA Government which provided every possible relief measure to farmers to carryon their agriculture activities.

The Government has reserved Rs. 40 billion for the fertiliser subsidy. The fertiliser subsidy has been continuously given to the farmers by the Government since 2005. It is the present Government which is responsible to make the country self-sufficient in rice.

The Government introduced a certified price for paddy and prevented the attempts made by the private sector to exploit farmers. These irresponsible statements are made by the JVP and the UNP by looking at this issue through tinted glasses They also appear on behalf for companies who produce wheat flour. When paddy and rice prices are increased, rice consumption will reduce so that people would then be compelled to consume more wheat flour.

Q: Is it presumed that plastic crates have largely helped to minimise post harvest losses. What is the progress?

A: Over 50 percent progress has been achieved. It will take to reach hundred per cent. Post harvest losses of vegetables at the Dambulla, Narahenpita and Negombo Economic Centres have been drastically reduced due to the introduction of these plastic crates. This has facilitated price reduction of vegetables. If we can achieve hundred percent progress on the use of these plastic crates, it would be really good.

Q: What are the initiatives taken by your Ministry to upgrade Economic Centres to provide a reliable service to consumers?

A: At present Economic Centres are a great success. Massive development has taken place at the Dambulla Economic Centre. Steps have also been taken to develop the Meegoda, Narahenpita and Ratmalana Economic Centres. We have also decided to open new Economic Centres in Kilinochchi and Kurunegala.

Q: Trade and Co-operatives have a strong bearing on the lives of poor people. The Minister in charge of Trade and Co-operatives is always at the butt end of criticism. How have you managed to walk on a tight rope successfully facing challenges?

A: I have been able to face this challenge successfully. This is a Ministry which has been subjected to various challenges. For the first time in the history of this Ministry, I could bring down the price of commodities during the last festive season.

I have also been able to bring the prices of commodities to a stable position without creating any shortage in the market.

When the shortage of eggs and coconuts were created in the market, the Ministry introduced alternatives. We have been able to succeed all challenges faced by the Ministry.

We have also promoted the concept of “fair trading” and safeguarded consumers as well. We don’t bow down to private companies by allowing them to increase prices of consumer goods haphazardly.

I have tried my level best to safeguard consumers. Whatever pressure is mounted or if people appear on behalf of companies, as the Minister-in-Charge I am for the consumer. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has entrusted me to carry out the functions of this Ministry. I would like to say I have that successfully carried out activities of the Ministry with the help of my officials.