Prices of essentials slashed

Chaminda Perera

Lanka Sathosa yesterday reduced the prices of a range of essential commodities to provide maximum relief to consumers on a special directive from President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

According to Internal Trade and Cooperative Minister Johnston Fernando, prices of sprats, sugar, canned fish, Samba rice, white raw rice, Nadu rice, red Nadu and lentil will be reduced in all Lak Sathosa outlets islandwide from today.

The minister after having analyzed the tender prices and the market prices of essential commodities with the Lak Sathosa management, pointed out consumers could be given maximum relief by following a price reduction of essential commodities.

He said a special investigation unit will inspect Lak Sathosa branches islandwide to ensure that these items are available at a reduced price.

The minister said the government is taking all possible measures to keep prices of essential commodities low.

Minister Fernando said the price reduction was introduced to have a control in the prices as black marketeers are increasing the prices of essential goods at their own will.