As the livelihood of the masses have been impacted due to fraudulent business activities of individuals and institutions seeking illicit profits, the government yesterday said its “fight against those unjust traders has not come to an end”.

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa during the Budget 2022 presentation acknowledged and pointed out that a large proportion of the general public have come under stress in the recent past through the concealment of goods, creation of an artificial shortage of goods, and creation of a black market through high prices.

While stating that at times it was necessary to retreat strategically on behalf of the people, he said this move should not be seen as a weakness.

“We undertake to take action to ensure a fair market place; instead of monopolies a competitive market; a cooperative sector that is on par with the private sector together with the small and medium sized entrepreneurs through the introduction of reforms to create a sustainable solution,” Rajapaksa said while reading the budget in parliament today.