-By Sampath Dillimuni
(Lanka-e-News -10.Dec.2024, 11.00 PM) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued strict and direct orders to large-scale rice traders last Saturday(07) to protect the affordability of rice for the public. Accordingly, the wholesale price of a kilogram of Nadu rice has been capped at Rs. 225, and the retail price at Rs. 230.
The President has also instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to explore measures for enforcing price limits and safeguarding consumer rights. Within the next 10 days, the authority is tasked with monitoring the release of existing rice stocks to the market and ensuring compliance with the set price limits to prevent price hikes. Additionally, rice mills are required to report their daily output, with CAA officials overseeing the process.
President Dissanayake emphasized that failure to adhere to these price controls would result in the strict enforcement of legal measures. At a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on the 7th, he addressed representatives of large-scale rice mills, stating:
*“This issue must be resolved. Understand this clearly—rice is a product of significant public investment. Our nation has heavily invested in irrigation systems, supported agriculture with subsidies, and provided loans funded by public money for rice production. This makes rice fundamentally a public asset. Moreover, it is the primary food of our people. Therefore, there is no room for exploitation here.
We have no intention of harming or undermining businesses. In fact, I have expressed my gratitude on numerous occasions to mill owners for their efforts in advancing the rice industry. However, the wholesale price must be Rs. 225, and the retail price Rs. 230. CAA officials will start monitoring rice mills from tomorrow, ensuring that stocks are released at appropriate prices. We will observe the situation for a week to 10 days. If compliance is not achieved, further steps will be taken.”*
Price Limits Set During the Meeting
• Nadu Rice:
• Wholesale: Rs. 225
• Retail: Rs. 230
• White Kekulu Rice:
• Wholesale: Rs. 215
• Retail: Rs. 220
• Imported Nadu Rice:
• Retail: Rs. 220
• Samba Rice:
• Wholesale: Rs. 235
• Retail: Rs. 240
• Keeri Samba Rice:
• Wholesale: Rs. 255
• Retail: Rs. 260
The meeting was attended by Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandaka Sanath Kumaranayake, Ministry Secretaries, and officials from the Consumer Affairs Authority, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, and others.
(Translated from an article by Sampath Dillimuni)
---------------------------
by (2024-12-10 18:17:53)
Read 8436 Times
Leave a Reply
0 discussion on this news
