November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Government is stepping up efforts to maintain a steady supply of essential commodities across Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming festive season, with special attention being given to preventing shortages and limiting the impact of rising prices on consumers.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said arrangements were already under way to ensure that households could purchase their daily necessities without disruption during the busy holiday period.
He acknowledged that consumers were experiencing increases in the prices of several products, including bread, other bakery items and milk powder, while imported commodities had also become more expensive due to developments in international markets.
According to the Minister, certain countries have introduced restrictions affecting the movement of goods across international markets, creating additional challenges for import-dependent economies such as Sri Lanka.
He stressed, however, that the Government was taking steps to minimise the impact of these developments through market interventions and closer coordination with suppliers, importers and local manufacturers.
As part of these efforts, authorities have been purchasing agricultural produce directly from farmers and releasing it into the market to maintain an appropriate balance between supply and demand. The approach is also intended to protect local producers while ensuring consumers have access to reasonably priced food items.
Samarasinghe said the Parliamentary Food Security Committee had also been convened to coordinate measures aimed at strengthening the country’s distribution network. Through Lanka Sathosa and other retail outlets, the Government hopes to improve the availability of essential goods across different parts of the island.
Discussions are also taking place with institutions such as Lanka Salu Sala, Lanka Sathosa (CSTC), cooperative societies, the Pettah Importers’ Association and various manufacturing organisations to identify potential supply difficulties and introduce timely solutions.
The Minister noted that some fluctuations in commodity prices could prove unavoidable because of international market conditions. Nevertheless, he assured the public that negotiations with importers and manufacturers were continuing to reduce additional costs and prevent unnecessary price increases.
He added that the Government’s priority was to maintain uninterrupted supplies throughout the festive period while strengthening market stability and easing the financial pressure on ordinary households.
