Govt. to begin canvassing public views on proposed new National Trade Policy in the next few weeks

Minister Gunawardane in conversation with a committee member

The government will start obtaining public comments on the proposed new National Trade Policy within the next few weeks, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane told the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade Affairs held recently at the Parliament complex.

Minister Gunawardane said that an expert committee too had been appointed to formulate the National Trade Policy. An office space had been rented in the BMICH for the expert committee to meet. Professor Sampath Amaratunga, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has been appointed as the Chairman of this Expert Committee.

The Minister informed the Committee that a Co-operative Policy too would be formulated to address the shortcomings in that sector. It would be done as soon as possible, Minister Gunawardane said.

“A Consultative Committee has pointed as there was a need to conduct a feasibility study before new Lanka Sathosa outlets are opened.” It has also pointed that corruption and irregularities are common in Lanka Sathosa and that the situation can be changed by computerising all the outlets. The committee also discussed the need for an investigation at the ministry level, to look into allegations of corruption and irregularities in the institution.

The Minister said that goods for Lanka Sathosa were now purchased through manufacturers and direct importers and that method had helped address some of the issues.

Minister Gunawardane also told the committee that they had received requests to open 57 new Sathosa outlets, and that those outlets would be established soon.

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Members of Parliament Nalin Fernando and Rohana Dissanayake and a number of government officials were also present at the meeting.