By Sheain Fernandopulle

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed the relevant officials to immediately release containers of essential items held up at the Customs. The directive has been made during a special meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday regarding the matter. The President has stressed the need to maintain a steady supply of essential commodities including food in the market without any shortage.

Meanwhile, the President has appointed a committee chaired by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities.

President Gotabaya also underscored that selected essential goods should be allowed to be imported and that goods should not be allowed to be imported in excess and stocks to be kept hidden to increase prices.
Instructions have also been given to implement a new mechanism to expedite the release of essential commodities including food to the market and therefore, the President directed the new committee to regulate and oversee this matter.