Govt. warns errant traders against ignoring price controls

The  Government has warned the traders who attempt to sell essential consumer items disregarding the price controls announced yesterday.

Minister of Parliamentary Reform and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said the government will take action to round up traders who attempt to sell goods disregarding the control prices.

Addressing a function organised for the distribution of cement for the construction of houses of 56 low income families in the Elpitiya area on Thursday, Minister Karunathilaka said that if traders were increasing prices of goods in an unnatural manner, the Consumer Affairs Authority will recruit more officials to conduct raids.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen Thursday announced the control prices of 16 essential items, including dhal, sugar, potatoes, imported onions and full cream milk power. The new prices were effective immediately.

Minister Karunathilaka said the Consumer Affairs Authority with the assistance of the security forces will commence raids from Friday to nab errant traders.