Government to import frozen vegetables

Colombo, Dec. 1 (Daily Mirror)- The Government has decided to import frozen vegetables that comply with the standards of the Department of Agriculture, Commissioner General of Essential Services B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said today.

He said steps will be taken to publish—through the media—the lists of essential food items and goods submitted by the District Secretaries, in order to identify the difficulties faced by the public in obtaining essential supplies during this disaster situation and to inform the relevant suppliers.

This will enable suppliers to contact the respective District and Divisional Secretaries and take prompt action to supply the identified goods.

Arrangements are being made to hold discussions with Litro Gas company to identify potential issues that may arise in the proper distribution of LP gas and to take necessary steps to provide immediate solutions.

"In addition, to provide medium-term relief to the people affected by the disaster, District Secretaries have been instructed to submit information received from Divisional Secretaries, as well as details obtained from other government institutions, to the Prime Minister’s Office.

These requirements will be displayed in an easily accessible format prepared by the Office of the Secretary to the Prime Minister. This will allow local and international donors interested in extending assistance to clearly identify the items they are able to provide.

This mechanism is expected to prevent the receipt of unnecessary items, ensure that essential needs are accurately identified, and facilitate the proper delivery of assistance to the relevant locations.

Items provided from overseas will be received under the name of the Disaster Management Centre, enabling the necessary Customs duty and tax concessions to be granted for such supplies," a statement issued by the office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services said.