Will not increase prices of rice for any reason: Minister Bandula

19 September 2020 10:22 am - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane yesterday assured that prices of rice in the market will not be increased for any reason.

The minister expressed these views at a discussion held with the small and medium scale rice mill owners with the aim of dispelling pretensions of artificial rice shortages and thereby causing inconvenience to the consumers.

He said the government has decided not to increase the maximum retail price set for consumers.

“We already have information about rice traders who are hoarding stocks of paddy and not releasing them to the market in the hope of increasing prices. We will not allow anyone to create a artificial rice shortage," he said.

With the approval of the Cabinet, he said the Government will have to import about 100,000 metric tons of rice with the sole intention of maintaining a safe stock to meet the daily demand of consumers without any increase in prices as there is no room for artificial rice shortage in the country.

The Minister emphasised that there would be no need to import rice if the traders released the hoarded rice to the market.

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Comments - 7

Lal Saturday, 19 September 2020 10:35 AM

Do YOU HAVE A PADDY FIELD? I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOURER DOUBLE THE AMOUNT. WHICH I PAID LADT FEBRUARY 2200/- NOW 3100/- for this reason I cannot reduce the price.

Jinna Saturday, 19 September 2020 10:37 AM

Before the presidential election it was at the range of 65 to 70. What the hell you are talking about.

Chux Saturday, 19 September 2020 10:41 AM

Fed of listening to this bullshit you don’t increase but mafia increases with your knowledge

Jude Saturday, 19 September 2020 10:55 AM

Hey Bandu, THERE should be a better system to avoid hoarding and gouging !! YEAH, UNSCRUPULOUS traders and rice mill owners should be punished !! Hmmm! Importing rice, counter-productive !!

Ronnie Bugger Sunday, 20 September 2020 02:33 PM

Rice shortage, coconuts at one hundred per nut, 'kaha kudu' a luxury. Is there any more to come. Mr. President, all we see on TV is talk,talk, and more talk but no action. Start growing a 'brush' mustachio like Hitler and act like one if you got what it takes???

vince Sunday, 20 September 2020 03:47 PM

how the ck is this nt going to do that?

Ronnie Bugger Sunday, 20 September 2020 09:36 PM

If so, then the average Sri Lankan family with school going children can easily live one month with 2.500/= as predicted by this loud mouth sime tine in the past.

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Will not increase prices of rice for any reason: Minister Bandula

Comments - 7

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