Bakery owners today came up with fresh demands if they were to maintain price cuts for their products as announced in the mini budget of the government on Thursday.

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association (ACBOA) called for the removal of VAT from their products and for the removal of income duty levied from margarine if they were to reduce the price of short-eats by Rs. 5 in accordance with the price reduction of wheat flour.

ACBOA President M. K.  Jayawardene told a news conference that they would be able to come up with a clear price cuts if the government met these demands.

However, he said ACBOA had informed the bakery owners to reduce the price of short-eats such as fish buns and ordinary buns by at least one rupee from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, they said that a majority of bakery owners had been compelled to move away from the standard weight of a loaf of bread which was 450 grams and produce loaves which weighed less.

“Some bakers maintain the weight of a loaf at 400g or less because of the high cost,” Mr. Jayawardene said.  

Therefore they called for the introduction of new standard weight of 400g per loaf.

“We have been flexible and had reduced the price of bread by Rs. 6 and given maximum concessions to the people on other products and now we expect the government to do its part so that we will be able to come up with clear price cuts,” Mr. Jayawardene said.(YP & DS)


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