Based on data available with the Sri Lanka Customs, essential goods that are required for three months have entered the country, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Speaking during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, the Finance Minister said measures have been taken to supply all essential goods without any shortage.

Although data pertaining to distribution of goods to various areas are not available yet, as per the Customs details and wholesale traders; he could confirm that goods adequate for three months are available in the market at present.

Minister Rajapaksa acknowledged that certain goods that are available in a particular area may not be available in others due to various reasons. However, he assures that they will introduce a mechanism to obtain regional information through District and Divisional Secretariats.

He also stressed that if traders try to take undue advantage of the situation such as stockpiling or imposing conditions to trade certain items, they will be brought to books.

The Finance Minister said such activities are a punishable offences under the Consumer Protection Act.

Colombo in the dark from now on