More Lankans consume rice flour now

30 May 2013 11:44 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka’s per capita wheat flour consumption has dropped from 35.5 kilos in 2004 to 24.2 kilos in 2011 while the rice flour consumption has increased from 94.1 kilos to 117 kilos during this period, Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando revealed in Parliament. He was responding to a question asked by United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara.

The minister said this was a positive trend and pointed out that that it was the result of the Government levying high taxes on wheat flour to discourage consumption.

“We have done this to boost local rice consumption,” he said and added that a loan scheme was launched in 2011 to support Sri Lanka’s rice flour industry.

The minister said the Government had also banned the sale of wheat flour products at school canteens while during 2009-2011 some Rs.14 million was spent to promote rice flour consumption in the estate sector. According to the statistics revealed in the House, only 12,938 kilos of rice were milled in 2009 but it had increased to 36,687 kilos in 2010, 202,235 kilos in 2011 and 197,927 in 2012. (KB)

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Comments - 15

Cobra Friday, 31 May 2013 01:31 AM

Do they have a choice?

Critic Roshan Friday, 31 May 2013 01:47 AM

But, still farmers do not get adequate quantity of fertilizers, loans, a price, protection from wild elephants and proper irrigation system to their farm lands. And Johnston is boasting!!!!

Polharaka Friday, 31 May 2013 01:51 AM

Lets increase the rice flour price now..

ANTON Friday, 31 May 2013 02:03 AM

JOHN ...JOHN.. PITIKOTAPAN... RATE EVUN PITI HALAPAN.

dingo Friday, 31 May 2013 02:51 AM

heading for obese and diabetic society...............

Chewing Gum Friday, 31 May 2013 02:57 AM

This shows that the peoples buying is decreasing.

weir Friday, 31 May 2013 05:42 AM

he must be eatit functions.
the fool

Ranjith Silva Friday, 31 May 2013 07:18 AM

If the stats is correct, its a good trend. Better understand late than never.

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 31 May 2013 08:09 AM

Thanks to Minister Weerawansa, we have defeated the American conspiracy to feed our natives with wheat flour!

C.K.Lankaputhra Friday, 31 May 2013 09:48 AM

Coming colors no good Price of bread may go up soon.

Nihal Jayawardena Friday, 31 May 2013 10:37 AM

What should be discouraged is not wheat flour per se but REFINED wheat flour (better known as "American flour" to our people), from which most bread is made in this country. Wholemeal (a.k.a. atta) is healthy and should by no means be discouraged. If the increase in taxes applies to wholemeal, too, as it probably does, that is a stupid decision.

Nihal Jayawardena Friday, 31 May 2013 10:48 AM

What should be discouraged is not wheat flour per se, but REFINED wheat flour (better known as "American flour" to our people), from which most bread is made in this country. Wholemeal (a.k.a. atta) is healthy and should by no means be discouraged. If the increase in taxes applies to wholemeal, too, as it probably does, then it was a stupid decision.

CHC Friday, 31 May 2013 11:39 AM

Well done SL !!!! You should stop importing Wheat flour as it is detrimental to health.

Naz Saturday, 01 June 2013 04:07 AM

Why can't the government give subsidy for wheat farming and milk powder production. It will cut imports.

old citizen Saturday, 01 June 2013 08:39 AM

Buttgottas of miracle of asia

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More Lankans consume rice flour now

Comments - 15

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