News

JVP takes govt. to task over high prices of essentials

Published

4 years ago

2020/12/25

Sahan Weerasooriya

By Saman Indrajith

The government is all mouth no trousers when it comes to controlling the prices of essential food items, says the JVP.

JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath told the media at the party headquarters in Pelawatte yesterday said that traders would not bring down prices of goods just because the government ministers give voice cuts to TV channels, calling for price reductions. “They go to economic centres and markets and stand near vegetable stalls and give voice cuts to TV vowing that prices would be brought down. But the traders will not reduce the prices. The ministers also vow that they will arrest traders who sell above the stipulated prices but no such arrests have been made so far. This government is only big talk, but no action. The price of a kilo of rice is now at Rs 140 that is very much above the stipulated price. The government keeps issuing gazettes announcing price controls but no trader gives any consideration to those gazettes.”

He said that the process of economic collapse started prior to the advent of COVID-19 pandemic. “The government tries to take cover behind the pandemic, for its failure to manage the economy that is another indication of its failure. The collapse of the economy started long before the COVID-19. For example, the agriculture sector output dropped by 5.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The drop of the industrial sector output was 7.8 percent and the service sector contracted by 1.6 percent during the same time period. The country went to lockdowns after March 19. So, it shows that the first quarter of this year did not have the impact of the pandemic.

“Prices of essential commodities have reached unprecedented heights under this government within one year. The government has failed to control the prices and manage the economy. Those who came to parliament in bicycles demanding the then government to bring down fuel prices are now ruling the country but they did not bring down the prices at least by five cents”.

“I have the official price lists issued by the Central Bank on Nov 20, 2019 and Dec 23, 2020. In Nov 2019 price of a kilo of samba rice was at Rs 95, now it’s between Rs 132 and 140. This government issued at least five gazettes on rice prices alone for the past one year, but none has had any effect. Big onion price was Rs 147 a kilo now it’s Rs 160. Price of dry chillies was Rs 480 a kilo then now it’s Rs 550. A coconut was then Rs 58 now it’s higher than Rs 85. Lentil that the President promised in his address to the nation at Rs 65 a kilo was Rs 110 in Nov, 2019 and now it’s Rs 180. In that address to the nation there were promises to give canned fish at Rs 100 and big onion at Rs 150. It’s known now there are no such items for such prices. Finally the address to the nation became a big joke. Price of sprats a kilo was at Rs 600 now it’s Rs 850. Price of coconut oil has increased from Rs 320 to 480. Sugar price increased from Rs 100 to 135. These are the Central Bank figures that give an idea of the plight of the people after one year under this government. I do not bring the prices of vegetables to this but it’s a known fact that their prices too have increased to unknown heights. For the first time in history a gazette was issued on Sept 25, this year to control the prices of coconut. Nowhere one can find coconuts for that price now. The government has proven that it has lost control of prices in the market. It has failed miserably and people suffer as a consequence.”

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News

Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country – PM

Published

36 mins ago

2025/04/12

Priyan

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.

The Prime Minister said that:

“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.

Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.

While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?

Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.

On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.

The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.

Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.

Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”

The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Focus on streamlining Research and Development activities related to defence sector

Published

48 mins ago

2025/04/12

Priyan

A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.

Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.

The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.

Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.

During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.

The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.

The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.

[PMD]