• Government to import sugar
• New Bill soon against errant traders

By Kelum Bandara

Food emergency imposed by the government yielded as the sugar importers agreed to release stocks at the wholesale price of Rs. 116 a kilo, a minister said yesterday.

Addressing an online press conference using the Zoom technology, State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a food emergency by issuing regulations under the Public Security Ordinance because the previous attempts of price controls of essential items such as sugar and rice did not work.

He said the importers fell in line finally. “We will take steps to sell white sugar at state-run and private retail outlets at Rs. 125 a kilo - the maximum price stipulated. Besides, we will sell brown sugar at 125 a kilo. As for rice, Samba variety will be sold at Rs.103 a kilo, Nadu steamed variety at 98 a kilo and Nadu Kekulu (raw) at Rs.95 a kilo. This became possible because of the enforcement of emergency regulations,” he said.

The Minister admitted that there was restricted supply in the retail market, but people would be able to make purchases unhindered within the next few days.