Egg prices in the local market have been increased despite the festive season being just around the corner.

Although the price of an white egg was around Rs. 40 – 42 in the last week of November, it rose to Rs. 44 – 46 last week before increasing again to Rs. 55 – 60.

The price of a white egg and brown egg at the Narahenpita Economic Centre is priced at Rs. 50 and Rs. 52 respectively.

It is speculated that the prices will continue to spike, resulting in the price hike of bakery and confectionary products.

Experts in the field allege that Trade Minister – Nalin Fernando’s short sighted decisions are to be blamed for his.

The minister had recently halted egg imports from India, stating that the local egg industry has been stabilized.

However, experts say that the minister had initially imported eggs when the demand was low and had left the local market to depend entirely on the local market when the demand was at its peak, to secure another future chance to import eggs from India.

The Sri Lankan Parliament has voted to debate the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill on today (Nov. 11).

The ruling party proposed that the VAT (Amendment) Bill be taken up for debate today, following the third reading of the appropriation bill.

However, as the opposition rejected the government’s move, the Speaker of parliament decided to call for a vote on whether the VAT (Amendment) Bill will be taken up for debate today.

Accordingly, a vote took place shortly after 9:30 am, with 92 votes in favour, 41 votes against and 01 abstention.

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in a statement announced that they will vote against the VAT Bill.

The chief custodian (Kapu Mahattaya) of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya and his grandson (who is currently the custodian in charge of the Devala store room), have disappeared from Kataragama, reports say.

Last week, the Attorney General instructed to arrest the duo over a 38-pound gold offering that had gone missing from the Devalaya. The offering had been made by the wife of former underworld leader – Angoda Lokka.

Accordingly, the chief custodian – Dhurandara Somipala Ratnayake and his grandson – Saman Priyantha or Chuti Kapu Mahathaya, who is in charge of the temple’s storeroom, are to be arrested.

Meanwhile, the duo had not turned up when the Acting IGP – Deshabandu Tennakoon and Minister of Public Security – Tiran Alles had visited the Kiri Vehera and Kataragama Devalaya on Dec. 09 for religious observances.

Only 03 other custodians had been present at the Devalaya during that time.

A custodian had informed higher officials that the duo had recently left for another province, with plans to appear in courts through lawyers’ intervention and amid political support.

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