Finance Ministry admits scarcity of four essential items

11 February 2022 08:43 pm - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While saying that there is a minor shortage in four essential commodities, the Finance Ministry said there is an urgent need of setting up an effective mechanism where imported goods reach the general public in a more transparent manner.

The matter was discussed in the maiden meeting of the committee appointed by the President headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities.

The Ministry said though there is a minor shortage of four essential goods such as milk powder, LP gas, wheat flour and cement at present, sufficient stocks of all other items are in hand.

Moreover, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa raised the importance of displaying the prices of products clearly in shops as there is a tendency among shop owners to decide the prices as they wish.

He also highlighted that the Consumer Affairs Authority should carry out surveillance and compile report on essential food items on a daily basis and thereby, the disparity in the distribution of the imported goods could be identified.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister said the existing forex crisis is a temporary situation. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 22

Poison Friday, 11 February 2022 09:25 PM

For you it's a minor problem but for us it's a major problem. You have no time to see the queues all over the country every day. We cannot just live with your honey words.

Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 11 February 2022 09:27 PM

Let's co-operate to avoid starvation. All parties should work as a family to see that no-one starves. It is a shame after 74 years of independence, we are in a parlour state.

Sam Silva Friday, 11 February 2022 11:22 PM

Do have any idea of your comments you are posting ??

warren Saturday, 12 February 2022 05:37 PM

Let us cooperate to avoid starvation? Are you making this statement with a sound mind? The "family" is working together for their benefit at the expense of the country and citizens. Do you want us to cooperate dig our own graves?

Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 11 February 2022 09:27 PM

Let's co-operate to avoid starvation. All parties should work as a family to see that no-one starves. It is a shame after 74 years of independence, we are in a parlour state.

YANKY DOODLE Friday, 11 February 2022 09:46 PM

An American dictating terms to SLs..

Nadi Karunaratne Friday, 11 February 2022 09:53 PM

No Haiwian shirt shortage regretably...seems rather incongruous when the other participants soberly dressed. Let's be honest they don't inspire confidence do they?

Roisin Friday, 11 February 2022 09:58 PM

A minor shortage? This man is shameless!

N SENA Friday, 11 February 2022 10:03 PM

BASIL DID YOU JUST WAKE UP? DID YOU NOT SEE LONG QUEUES TO GET BASIC FOOD ITEMS GAS ETC ALL THESE MONTHS. YOU CANNOT SAY THAT IT IS A MINOR PROBLEM MAJOR PROBLEM THATS AFFECTING MILLIONS OF OUR PEOPLE

dickie bird Friday, 11 February 2022 10:12 PM

Its time to drop Imported powdered milk as an essential

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Friday, 11 February 2022 10:54 PM

Temporary situation for how long, specify measures taken to rectify.

roni Friday, 11 February 2022 11:09 PM

Hey Basil add Panadol to your list. Utter disgrace you were reported to have 7 brains. Wonder if y have one at least

Sam Silva Friday, 11 February 2022 11:27 PM

You must be having very good experience on supermarkets but it does not apply to our country financial situation.

Father PJ Friday, 11 February 2022 11:38 PM

Basil forgot to add a fifth item. A scarcity of brains in the President and Cabinet! Unfortunately that cannot be imported at any cost so we must change the government at the next election.

Asf Saturday, 12 February 2022 12:10 PM

May be its a minor shortage but could lead to a major issue.

ravini Saturday, 12 February 2022 12:30 PM

A simple livelihood initiative like dairy farming for small farmers could not be implemented to provide fresh milk., importing even mIilk powder.

duplicate Ralahami Saturday, 12 February 2022 02:06 PM

Almost a year we are experiencing these shortages is this temporary can you explain or re boot your brain

Nomads Saturday, 12 February 2022 02:08 PM

You and the Government get lost ! This is the best thing you can do for 6.9mn . Country ruined at large. Run back to Native USA again crisis get hit.

Anne Karunaratne Saturday, 12 February 2022 02:54 PM

Minor shortage????? How dare you say that the shortage of these most essential items are "minor"!!!!! Disgraceful!!!!

Kps Saturday, 12 February 2022 05:55 PM

For sure yes only for your ken

Srilankan Saturday, 12 February 2022 06:04 PM

Bet he failed his O/L examination.

emily Monday, 21 February 2022 07:56 PM

finance minister is a thief

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Finance Ministry admits scarcity of four essential items

Comments - 22

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