The Web Sri Lanka In Focus

Saturday 19 January 2008

Ample food stocks in Jaffna

Supply adequate for three months for entire peninsula:

The Government Agent of Jaffna K. Ganesh stressed that there is no shortage of food or other commodities in Jaffna district as the Government has taken every possible step to send essential items to normalise food storage in Jaffna.

The food stocks are sufficient for three months. Addressing a press briefing yesterday held to describe the food situation, the Jaffna Government Agent said the food situation in Jaffna is very satisfactory. Almost all essential food items are available in Jaffna. According to the Government Agent, Jaffna has no problems at all with regard to the distribution and supply of essential items.

At the moment Jaffna has 6,887 Mt of rice, 1,697 Mt of sugar, 1,351 Mt wheat flour, 775 Mt of red dhal, 69 Mt of milk food, 95 Mt of soap and other laundry products, Commissioner General of Essential Services S.B. Divaratne said.

He pointed out that the storage of rice in Colombo is 5,000 Mt which is far below the storage level in Jaffna. Almost all commodities are available except Pentorch batteries at around 4,000 private sector and Government sales outlets.

There is no shortage of petroleum products in Jaffna but a there is a slight price hike considering transport costs. Diesel, petrol and kerosene are freely available.

The Commissioner General of Essential Services has taken steps jointly with the Jaffna GA to bring down the price of LP Gas to Rs. 2,900 from Rs. 5,000.

The Commissioner General of Essential Services has been using eight ships to transport goods to Jaffna.

“The Jaffna GA pointed out that the Jaffna residents don’t want any rice for three months since they have 6,887 Mt of rice and it is estimated they will be having a good paddy harvest. The price of rice in Jaffna is cheaper than in Colombo,” the Commissioner said.

Postal services are in operation. All schools, hospitals and the university are functioning well. Students have received textbooks and school uniforms, the Government Agent said. He appreciated the contribution of the Security Forces for the transport of goods.

Source : Dailynews