Sajith condemns dry ration Mafia, demands Rs. 10,000 each be given to families affected by lockdowns

By Saman Indrajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa asked the government in Parliament yesterday whether it had allowed those tasked with distributiong goods worth Rs. 10,000 among families in areas under lockdown to cheat the pandemic-hit people.

“The basket of goods is said to be worth Rs. 10,000, but its value is only about Rs. 7,000,” Opposition Leader Premadasa said.

“In addition people point out that chickpeas have weevils, dhal is past shelf life and potatoes are rotten. Although it is said that a bag contains five kilos of noodles it usually has only two kilos.

“It is claimed that each bag contains five packets of soya meat but there are only three packets.

“Why do you treat people like this?”

Premadasa calle those distributing goods a Mafia, operating with the blessings of the high-ups in the government.

“This matter has been raised At district development committee meetings but people’s grievances are far from redressed. I propose the government give Rs 10,000 in cash to these people instead of dry-rations. This way they could buy whatever they want. Instead of compelling them to eat food items not fit for human consumption.”