Cabinet is expected to give the nod for the increase of milk powder by Rs.200 shortly and thus push the price of a one kilogram packet from Rs.945 to Rs.1,145, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend.

Speaking to party activists, Mr. Wijewardene said there is no sign of a salary increase especially for public servants though the prices of essential goods have been increased.

“People have to wait in queues to purchase a packet of milk powder today. If any one gets into a queue in the morning he is able to come up only in the evening. However, a person is given only one packet,” Mr.wijewardene said.

“The cement supply appears to be going through a crisis. “consignments of imported essential goods are stuck in warehouses due to the dollar crisis today. Suppliers of LP gas are primed for another price increase. The Yaha palana government was able to reduce prices of essential goods,” he also said.(Yohan Perera)