State Minister Shehan Semasinghe states that rice prices will be controlled after the next Maha season and relief will be provided to farmers as well as consumers.
The Minister points out that rice prices are currently out of control due to the arbitrary actions of a group of crooked businessmen.
This was stated by the State Minister while participating in the series of programs held in Rideegama, Kurunegala recently (05thof March) in line with the Saubhagya (Prosperity) Week which is currently being implemented island wide under the auspices of the State Ministry of Samurdhi, Home Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development.
Saubhagya week started from Anuradhapura district recently. A number of programs are being implemented under this, including opening of flower villages, factory villages, fruit villages, loan disbursements, opening of new bank branches and providing housing assistance.
Expressing his views at the opening ceremony of the Rideegama Regional Development Bank Branch, State Minister Semasinghe said the government with the aim of integrating the rural economy into the national economy, will establish 500 manufacturing villages throughout Sri Lanka covering all districts of the country.
“The government will support them in everything from lending money and consulting to finding markets. The budget has allocated funds for this purpose,” he said.
“Unfortunately, due to the arbitrary actions of certain swindlers, we as a government have problems controlling the price of rice. But we as a government promise to change this situation after the next Maha season and control the price of rice and do justice to the farmers and consumers. At the end of this year, the people will be able to enjoy the results of the decisions we have made for the people during these six months.”
