Looming sugar shortage: UNP

04 Nov 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) today warned of a looming sugar shortage because officials of the Sevanagala and Pelawatte Sugar Companies -- listed for acquisition under the government’s controversial Bill -- were being prevented from sending produced sugar to the market.

UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told a news conference the move might be aimed at creating an artificial shortage as an excuse to import sugar and allow some people to earn large commissions.

The UNP is urging the government to remove the Pelawatte Sugar Company belonging to business tycoon Harry Jayawardne and the Sevanagala Sugar Company belonging to UNP Ampara Organiser Daya Gamage business ventures listed for acquisition.

Pelawatte Sugar earned a profit of some Rs.850 million while Sevanagala Sugar earned a profit of some Rs.200 million.

Mr. Jayasekera said the UNP was also seeking the removal of Lanka Tractors Ltd from the list because the government owed Rs.385 million as compensation for having breached a privatisation contract. (Yohan Perera)

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Looming sugar shortage: UNP

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