Reduced prices at Co-ops

Irangika RANGE

All essential commodities will be distributed to Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies across the country through Sathosa branches in the respective areas for consumers to buy their items at affordable prices during the festive season on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Government has allocated Rs 900 million to distribute essential items to Multi-Purpose Co-operative Societies through the Sathosa branches at the provincial level, Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said.

The Minister participating at an essential items distribution program to co-operative societies in Kurunegala yesterday said this move will help stabilize the prices of essential commodity prices in the local market enabling consumers to purchase essential goods at concessionary rates ahead of the festive season.

He said that the co-operative movement collapsed due to wrong decisions taken by the previous UNP government.

Most buildings belonged to the Sathosa were given on personal contacts to certain parties by the UNP. "We are in the process of taking back all buildings sold to the private sector and will expand the Sathosa network in the country," he said.

The monopoly enjoyed by the private companies will end passing the maximum benefit to the people with the direct State involvement in distribution of essential items to co-operative societies through Sathosa branches.

The Minister said traders will not be permitted to increase prices of essential goods during the festive season. He said the program will continue after the festive season as well.

It is essential to have a strong government arm in the market to control the unscrupulous traders.

Plans have been drawn to convert the co-operative movement into a strongest super market network to cater to the ever-increasing demand.