News
Warehouses of Sirisena, Gamlath et al raided, stocks seized
Hoarding of rice
The government yesterday (8) took over massive stocks of rice held by Nipuna, Lathpadura, Araliya, Hiru, New Rathna and Sooriya companies in the Polonnaruwa District.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena’s brother Dudley Sirisena and State Minister Siripala Gamlath are among those accused of hoarding rice.
The President’s Office said that Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES) Maj. Gen. Senarth Nivunhella and Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Shantha Dissanayake (retd) personally conducted the raids after mill owners acted contrary to an agreement they reached with the government to release sufficient stocks to the market.
The President’s Office said that action had been taken immediately to dispatch rice stocks to Sathosa. During the raid on New Rathna, the management had protested, the President’s Office said. Some Buddhist monks also protested outside New Rathna offices. (SF)