Veggies, dry rations at concessionary rates at train stations: State Minister

Railway Services State Minister C. B. Ratnayake yesterday launched the programme for providing a bag of vegetables and a bag of dry rations at a concessionary rate of Rs.500 each at the Maradana Railway Station to ease the commuters.

Addressing the media after the ceremony the minister said this concessionary package of Rs.1,000 generally costs Rs.1,600 at retail shops.

"The programme was launched aiming the government employees and commuters at the railway station. This programme will continue today at the Fort Railway Station and continue with all the other stations countrywide every evening," he said.

"The bag of vegetables consists of leeks, carrot, beans, pumpkin, green chillies, tomato, lime, pandan and curry leaves, sweet potatoes and fresh greens like mukunuwenna weighing 250 grams each. The dry ration bag consists of two kilograms of red rice, one kilogram of dhal, one kilogramme of sugar and a tin of canned fish," the Minister said.

Accordingly, the commuters will be able to purchase vegetables at concessionary rates inside railway stations.

State Minister of Railway Services C. B. Ratnayake said that the programme will commence at 2.00 p.m. today at the Fort and Maradana Railway Stations.

Commuters can purchase 10 varieties of vegetables at concessionary rates. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)