Ample food stocks in Jaffna
Supply adequate for three months for entire
peninsula:
The Government Agent of Jaffna K. Ganesh stressed that there is no
shortage of food or other commodities in Jaffna district as the
Government has taken every possible step to send essential items to
normalise food storage in Jaffna.
The food stocks are sufficient for three months. Addressing a press
briefing yesterday held to describe the food situation, the Jaffna
Government Agent said the food situation in Jaffna is very satisfactory.
Almost all essential food items are available in Jaffna. According to
the Government Agent, Jaffna has no problems at all with regard to the
distribution and supply of essential items.
At the moment Jaffna has 6,887 Mt of rice, 1,697 Mt of sugar, 1,351
Mt wheat flour, 775 Mt of red dhal, 69 Mt of milk food, 95 Mt of soap
and other laundry products, Commissioner General of Essential Services
S.B. Divaratne said.
He pointed out that the storage of rice in Colombo is 5,000 Mt which
is far below the storage level in Jaffna. Almost all commodities are
available except Pentorch batteries at around 4,000 private sector and
Government sales outlets.
There is no shortage of petroleum products in Jaffna but a there is a
slight price hike considering transport costs. Diesel, petrol and
kerosene are freely available.
The Commissioner General of Essential Services has taken steps
jointly with the Jaffna GA to bring down the price of LP Gas to Rs.
2,900 from Rs. 5,000.
The Commissioner General of Essential Services has been using eight
ships to transport goods to Jaffna.
“The Jaffna GA pointed out that the Jaffna residents don’t want any
rice for three months since they have 6,887 Mt of rice and it is
estimated they will be having a good paddy harvest. The price of rice in
Jaffna is cheaper than in Colombo,” the Commissioner said.
Postal services are in operation. All schools, hospitals and the
university are functioning well. Students have received textbooks and
school uniforms, the Government Agent said. He appreciated the
contribution of the Security Forces for the transport of goods. |