President directs milk production increase

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday instructed officials of the Food Security and Cost of Living Committee to focus on developing a programme to increase local milk production, besides increasing vegetable and fruit production.

He told food and security officials, who had gathered at Temple Trees that they should pay attention to increase local milk production with the same enthusiasm they show in increasing fruit and vegetable production under the Divi Neguma Programme.

President Rajapaksa also said that operations of Lak Sathosa trade outlets have been satisfactory so far and the standards of Lak Sathosa centres have to be maintained.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa was present at the meeting. He said since greenhouse facilities are being developed as at present, they would be able to keep the prices of vegetables and fruits under control by growing them in the off season in time to come.

The Food Security and Cost of Living Committee also discussed how they would maintain stocks of essential food items without shortages and maintain affordable prices for them, at the meeting.

Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Johnston Fernando, Deputy Minister H R Mithrapala, Ministry Secretaries and Food Security and Cost of Living Management Committee Chairman Janaki Kuruppu participated in the meeting.