President orders storage facilities for paddy increased

• Paddy harvest to be purchased on scientific method from next season 

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Cost of Living was convened for the first time under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.  

During this meeting, special attention was drawn to providing essential food items for the public during the upcoming festive season at concessionary rates and ensuring there are no shortages.

Furthermore, President Rajapaksa instructed officials to follow a scientific method to purchase harvest from next season.

The President pointed out that many issues that arise during the process of paddy purchasing will be resolved through this procedure. Attention was drawn to increasing rice storage facilities across the country.

President Rajapaksa also inquired how the public will receive the benefit of the Government-controlled rice prices.

The Consumer Affairs Authority revealed that selling rice at prices higher than the Maximum Retail Price is gradually decreasing and the raids on rice traders selling rice at higher prices have been broadened. Also, swift action have been taken to apprise the traders in this regard.

An assessment was held regarding the steps taken by the Government to control the wheat flour price, as well as tax reliefs for other essential food items.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, ministers and MPs including Chamal Rajapaksa, Ramesh Pathirana, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Vidura Wickramanayake, Sanath Nishantha, Tharaka Balasuriya, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundara, Ministry Secretaries and public servants participated in this occasion.