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Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake who congratulated the new Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse on his new appointment, urged him to help the Government to salvage the country out of the economic and social misery, the present government had inherited from the very party which he belong and governed till December 5, 2001.

Minister Karunanayake responded to the Opposition Leader's comments made Monday about the price of rice in the market stating that the country is facing this crisis due to poor management of buffer stocks that had not been built up during the PA-JVP misrule.

Reference to bread prices, the Minister pointed out that the country was now aware as to how the previous government unscrupulously came to working arrangements with Prima and created a monopoly where the people are now faced with severe hardships. He said very soon this matter will be rectified in favour of the country by introducing more competition and eliminating corrupt purchase processes that were being practised.

Fluctuating coconut prices was a factor that could be totally attributed to the PA government neglecting this industry. The harvest is poor due to unplanned policy he said.

For nearly seven years, the entire industry and the economy have been ruined, and how can, the Opposition Leader expect this government effectively in office for just a little over 60 days show results, besides undoing all past misdeed and mismanagement, he queried.

The Opposition Leader in his new found position has shown great enthusiasm, he said and reminded that the present government cannot perform miracles overnight but the impossibility have already been done, he reminded.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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