PM orders release of all consignments of essential goods held up in ports

By Norman Palihawadane

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ordered the immediate release all consignments of essential goods held up at ports.

The Prime Minister told The Island that he had issued the directive at the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Cost of Living that met via zoom.

The directive was issued to the Controller General of Imports and Exports and the Director-General of Customs.

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa told the meeting that Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane had been instructed to ensure that the released essential commodities should be made available to the people via Sathosa and the importers.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Trade Ministry and the Agriculture Officials to ensure there was no shortage of rice and other essential food items in the market.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane had also requested the Prime Minister to investigate the allegations made by the Former Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Authority, as well as the complaint made by him.

The IGP was instructed by the Prime Minister to expedite the investigations.

In addition, permission was granted to the request made by State Minister D.B. Herath to import maize and other animal feed from overseas markets, until the local harvest was made available.