There are two powerful government ministers behind the escalating prices of rice says ‘Lakmawa Diyaniyo’ (Daughters of Lanka) organization.
Ms. Madhurangani Koswatte, General Secretary of ‘Lakmawa Diyaniyo’ speaking at a media meeting held at National Library Auditorium today said, “The prices of essential commodities, especially rice, have gone up in price. A kilo of rice is between Rs.80 and 100. owever, paddy is bought from farmenrs at Rs.20 a kilo. H However, a kilo of paddy is bought from farmers for less than Rs.20.00. The reason for this is a public secret. A brother of the Minister of Agriculture and the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services are connected with rice trade.”
Speaking further Ms. Koswatte said, “Usually a person who has a small boutique cannot hold any post of even a corporative store. However, the government is silent in this issue. As such, we demand that the government expel the two ministers and mediate in bringing down the price of rice.
Ms. Koswatte said that Prima Company too was behind the price hike in rice as they bought large stocks of rice to be used as fodder and pointed out that any country would take measures to safeguard its staple food. However, there was no such a programme in Sri Lanka said Ms. Koswatte.
Speaking further Ms. Koswatte said the government which refused to give loan benefits to corporative stores gave the two ministers all the concessions. She said if the government fails to mediate in this issue ‘Lakmawa Diyaniyo’ would not hesitate to go to the streets with other masses to protest against such corruption.
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