Fixed min. price for 14 local products

• Says move aimed at reducing imports

By Sandun A Jayasekera

The Cabinet that met on Wednesday has decided to fix a minimum price for 14 locally produced essential food commodities and spices, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.  

Accordingly, a kilogramme of dried chilies will be purchased by the government at Rs. 650, Ginger at Rs. 125, Garlic at Rs. 350, Potatoes at Rs. 100, Big Onions at Rs. 100, Red Onions at Rs. 110, Undu at Rs. 220, Green Gram at Rs. 200, Peanuts at Rs. 220, Kollu at Rs. 250, Cowpea at Rs. 220, Kurakkan at Rs. 175, Soya Bean at Rs. 125.   

Minister Gunawardana said these measures were taken to increase and encourage Sri Lankans to grow all possible food items in the country and stop importing them as the country was facing a major foreign currency strain.   

The import export economy proved to be a flop as envisaged by the previous government. The policy now is to export as much as possible and import when only necessary and only essentials.  

“Our main target is to improve the foreign reserves through this strategy and bring the rupee at least to Rs. 185 against the dollar,” he added.