Prices of essentials controlled by black market: Ruwan

The black market Mudalalis (players) have taken over Sri Lanka as they have been allowed to decide on the prices of essential goods, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Mr. Wijewardene who made these remarks while speaking to some UNP activists questioned as to why the government had allowed the black market players to decide on essential goods such as rice, cement, flour, milk powder and gas.

“One wonders whether a government exists in Sri Lanka,” he said.

“Government imposed price controls saying the suppliers of essential goods such as the mill owners decide on prices. However, it reversed this decision when the suppliers hid their stocks creating a shortage. Suppliers of essential goods including the mill owners are increasing the prices according to their whims and fancies,” Mr. Wijewardene said.“it was the UNP government in 2003 which brought in new legislation and established the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to prevent the suppliers from deciding on prices,” he added.

“Meanwhile, the Maha season is expected to begin between October 15 and November

15, 2021. Paddy farmers are confused currently with the nonavailability of organic fertilizer. The Agriculture Minister assured a steady supply of organic fertilizer by getting 250,000 farmers to produce adequate amounts. However, it was recently revealed that one farmer attached to each Agrarian Centre will be allowed to produce Organic Fertilizer. At the same time, there is a move to import organic fertilizer from China,even without testing the samples. It is not advisable to play around with the country’s economy,” he also said.(Yohan Perera)