Rs. 2 m for every co-op in budget for development - Minister of Power

P. B. Kirindeniya Nawalapitiya group correspondent

Every co-operative society in the island will be given Rs. 2 million in the forthcoming budget. This is a step taken by the Government to develop co-operatives. Sathosa and Co-operatives can play a major role in the business world in order to help the poor consumers.

At present the co-op is totally ruined. Let this money not go to ‘Bahirawaya’ “make use of it in a proper way to uplift the movement”, said Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Power.

He was addressing the opening ceremony of a co-operative super shop at Kotmale Road and a budget shop at the public bus stand, Nawalapitiya. The Minister said co-operative shops, avoiding decades old traditional methods, should have new concepts.

They have to follow new paths and new methods to win the hearts of the consumers. Poor people should have confidence and trust in them. There should be a strong competition among the Sathosa, Co-operative and the private sector.

The co-op has come to challenge the private sector in the town. A Lak Sathosa retail outlet was opened three days ago in this town. On the first day there had been a business of over Rs. 450,000, Rs. 375,000 on the second day and Rs. 350,000 on the third day.

He said: “In order to improve the co-op shops, employees should work hard. They have to be highly dedicated. Unlike Government servants, co-operative employees ought to be result oriented.

They should be able to win the hearts of the customers. I understand some co-op managers open the shop very late except on days when they issue Samurdhi rations. These attitudes have to be changed.