Gazette notifications fail to bring down prices: Govt. Minister

BY SANDUN A JAYASEKERA

Co- Cabinet Minister Ramesh Pathirana yesterday admitted that the various Gazette notifications issued by the government had failed to bring the desired results and as a result, the prices of a number of essential commodities have increased sharply. Meanwhile,Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane explained to the Cabinet the difficulties faced by the average consumer and also proposed a number of remedial measures. “It is correct to say that the sugar importers have failed to pass the Rs. 50 tax rebate offered to them by the government to the consumer. It is also true that they have amassed a huge profit by such unethical and illegal actions. Minister Bandula Gunawardane has enlightened the Cabinet on the measures to be taken shortly to bring down the prices of essential commodities,” Minister Pathirana said.