Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security – Nalin Fernando has said a kilo of carrots, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 – Rs. 350 if they are imported.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “I informed the Secretary to the President to convene the Food Policy Committee and asked the Agriculture Ministry and other relevant institutions whether they can provide vegetables at a low rate. They have agreed at the Food Policy Committee to reduce vegetable prices within a month or one and half months. If vegetables were imported, we can provide a kilo of leeks, carrots and beans at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350.”
He has also said that the price of an imported egg was increased by Rs. 08 from today due to the increase in VAT and other taxes. Accordingly, an egg which was previously sold at Rs. 35, will be sold at Rs. 43 at all Sathosa outlets.
The Minister said the State Trading Corporation (STC) had imported eggs from India under new tenders after the VAT increase and considering the VAT hike, increase in other taxes and transport cost, prices of eggs were increased by Rs. 08.
“We observed for two weeks whether we can cater to the demand for eggs from local egg production. However, we observed that after the imported egg supply was stopped, egg prices in the market increased again up to Rs. 52 to 55. So, the STC decided to import eggs under new tenders to control the increase in prices,” he said, adding that the issue would be settled if local suppliers were able to supply eggs at Rs. 43.
Meanwhile, a discussion has been held between Sri Lanka Egg Producers’ Association (SLEPA) chairman – R.M. Sarath Rathnayake and leader of the Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya – Mr. Dilith Jayaweera.
The meeting, which was also attended by egg producers, had discussed the possibility of providing eggs to the people at a more affordable price while protecting the local producers.
