305 Coop-cities to be opened

Irangika Range

The Government plans to open 305 Coop-Cities to streamline the distribution of essential food items at concessionary rates islandwide including the liberated areas before the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year.

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardana told the Daily News that twenty five Coop-Cities have already been opened so far. "Our target is to open 150 Coop-cities before the end of March," he said.

A new Coop-City in Daagonna, Diulapitiya was opened by Minister Bandula Gunawardana yesterday. This would greatly benefit consumers by providing essential items at lower prices.

He said the Diulapitiya Co-operative Society has been rendering a great service by providing essential items at lower prices. Members of the Co-operative Society representing various political parties and involved in social service without any party differences. "It is a good example for everyone," he said.

He said the Government has allocated Rs. 305 million to restructure and develop Co-operative Societies as Coop Cities (Super Markets) with immediate effect to provide essential commodities at low prices for consumers for the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year.