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Consult stakeholders at grassroots level on plastic crates: Chamal

14 December 2011 06:54 am - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa today brought to the attention of Trade Minister Johnston Fernando the need to consult stakeholders of the vegetable trade at the grassroots level on the introduction of plastic crates for the transportation of vegetables and fruits.

The Speaker said that he introduced these plastic crates in 2005 as the then Agriculture Minister, and distributed them among vegetable growers free of charge.

“It is advisable to involve the local government authorities in this case. The local authorities deal with Sunday fairs where farmers and traders assemble for vegetable trade. If grassroots level   stakeholders are involved, a lot of problems can be avoided,” he said.

The Speaker made these remarks after Minister Fernando briefed the House on the latest crisis triggered by the implementation of law making it compulsory for traders to transport vegetables and fruits only in plastic crates. 

The Minister said that this law is meant only for large scale traders transporting vegetable in lorries to Colombo from the main economic centres. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)



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  Comments - 13

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  • Rathnaweera Wednesday, 14 December 2011 08:38 AM

    Well said Sir. It is very few people understand what grassroot level feel.
    You are exactly on the point. A crate will cost 500/-. CAA should have initially intorduced them free of charge. A system for the crates to change hands freely have to be encourage without looking at a system for the same crate to come back where it was intorduced (farmer/trader/transporter).
    At present, the lorries unload the vege and take another load from CMB or the centres. Thats why the lorries would not like to carry the empty crates free or otherwise etc.,

    prem Wednesday, 14 December 2011 09:00 AM

    Very good idea.

    ajith Wednesday, 14 December 2011 12:12 PM

    Large or small scale does not matter follow the correct method.

    vishva Wednesday, 14 December 2011 02:40 PM

    Hon.Mr.Speaker, you seems have grasped the problem precisely.Sir if we had more leaders in your caliber in our country we would have been more prosperous long time ago.

    Waruna Wednesday, 14 December 2011 03:11 PM

    We could have use 10 % of Rs.13.7, being total loss of Mihin Lanka to resolve the entire issue.

    Nimal Wednesday, 14 December 2011 11:44 PM

    Well done Sir. Yes least we have a person in the ruling party who understand the issue. Yes, it must be bottom-up approach and not top-down approach. Good work sir.

    Gekko Thursday, 15 December 2011 06:14 AM

    Meddling in affairs not in his portfolio to instruct any Minister - he is only the Speaker!

    lal Thursday, 15 December 2011 06:48 AM

    I have seen in many countries fruits & vegetable deliver in trucks have loading bays which vehicles can parked and unload very easy manner.In our markets does not have such ways.I think better to postponed this for a while and provide the goods at reasonable price.

    COLOMBO CITIZEN Thursday, 15 December 2011 07:36 AM

    this is call people's victory!

    cheryll Thursday, 15 December 2011 08:10 AM

    Excellent Sir. I wish there were more like you to solve the problems in our country. Wish you all the best

    shanthapriya Saturday, 17 December 2011 04:05 AM

    IN OUR SOCIETY FINALLY THE VENDORS BECOME HERO.
    AS IN THE CASE OF PRIVATE BUS OWNERS.
    EVEN IF THE GOVT HAS A MAJORITY THEY CANT TAKE A FIRM DECISION FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS PEOPLE
    FINALLY PEOPLE BECOME VICTIMS OF THIS SOCIETY..

    Ariya Saturday, 17 December 2011 04:08 AM

    Jonston had done the 5th column work. Form 4 days now, we have terrible prices of vegetables. What the traders, middlemen couldn't do, Jonston had succeeded. Pettah sells tomatoes for example at Rs. 400, while in the shops 250 grams is Rs. 80. Will this 'minister' bring down the prices of vegetables, or will he bring down the government? He has not many days, until the citizens start protesting vigorously.

    perumal Saturday, 17 December 2011 04:37 AM

    No, They go to grass root level and eat grass with the roots


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