Govt to stabilize prices

Wholesale traders’, importers’ support sought :

Chaminda PERERA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday stressed on a mechanism through which the public can know wholesale prices of essential commodities in the local market.

He said the Government is in the process of monitoring price fluctuations in the local market to provide concessions to consumers.

The President was speaking at a meeting with wholesale traders of essential commodities and Government officials at Temple Trees yesterday.

He sought the support of wholesale traders and the importers to keep the prices of essential commodities stable in the local market.

President Rajapaksa was of the view that maintaining regular stocks of essential commodities for longer terms will help stabilize their prices in the local market though prices of such items are soaring in the world market.

Importers Association representatives pointed out that the prices of essential commodities will remain unchanged as they have adequate stocks of such items.

President Rajapaksa emphasized the importance of an effective mechanism to provide facilities to dairy farmers with private sector help. He said milk production in the North and the East has increased and dairy farmers should be given more facilities.

Importers Association representatives pinpointed the problems they face in importing essential commodities at the meeting.

Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena, Finance Ministry Secretary PB Jayasundara and representatives of Wholesalers Association in Pettah participated.