On Presidential directive:

Govt to purchase litre of milk at Rs 42 from today

Chaminda Perera

In a bid to increase milk production by 10 percent, the Government will purchase a litre of milk at Rs. 42 from today on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. A litre of milk was earlier purchased at Rs. 32 by the Government. The President made this decision following a discussion with Livestock Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman and the Ministry officials at Temple Trees yesterday.

President Rajapaksa stressed the need of strengthening the milk farmers to save the consumers who are often inconvenienced by increasing prices of imported milk powder.

Ministry officials were directed to launch a special program to promote liquid milk in place of packeted milk powder among the public.

The President said the Government wants to make the people self- sufficient in milk without importing milk powder.

Minister Arumugam Thondaman and Milco Company Chairman Sunil Wickremesinghe were also present.