Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation – K.D. Lal Kantha has announced that the government has decided to import 300,000 MT of maize.

Speaking to the media after attending a District Development Committee meeting at the Kandy District Secretariat yesterday (July 03), the Minister explained that this decision was taken to prevent traders from artificially inflating maize prices.

He stated that certain large and medium-scale businesses dealing with animal feed have been hoarding maize, buying it from farmers at fair prices and reselling it at much higher rates.

According to the Minister, these traders were trying to push maize prices up to Rs.190-200 per kilogram, which would have driven up the cost of eggs to Rs.200 each and increased meat prices significantly.

The Minister emphasized that while businesses are entitled to make a profit, the government will not allow unfair price manipulation. He also noted that, in the past, even ministers profited from animal products, but those days have ended and racketeers will not be allowed to control the market.

To prevent excessive price drops that could hurt farmers, the Food Security Committee has proposed imposing a tax on imported maize, he said.

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Former Minister – S.M. Chandrasena has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) a short while ago.

Chandrasena had appeared before the CIABOC today (July 04) to record a statement.

Notorious underworld figure ‘Konda Ranji’ has been reportedly linked to yesterday’s (July 03) shooting incident in Kandana, which injured Sameera Manahara, the former private secretary of late Minister Mangala Samaraweera and killed Sameera’s brother-in-law.

‘Konda Ranji’ is currently hiding in Dubai and police suspect that the attack stemmed from a dispute between Sameera and an associate of ‘Konda Ranji’ known as ‘Chooti Malli’.

The shooting took place around 10.00 am when 02 unidentified assailants opened fire on Manahara’s car with a T-56 firearm, while the duo was returning from a fitness centre, approximately 500 metres away from Sameera’s residence.

Sameera Manahara sustained gunshot wounds to his lower back but is in stable condition.

His brother-in-law, Upali Amunuwila succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital.

A 62-year-old woman selling vegetables nearby was injured by stray bullets and a bystander was also impacted when the targeted vehicle, while reversing to escape, crashed into an electricity pole.

Police reveal that the vehicle was struck by 26 bullets with the assailants fleeing the area soon after.

Investigations have revealed that the number plate of the bike was fake with the number originally owned by a person in Medawachchiya.

Police further believe the T-56 firearm used in the crime was supplied by underworld figure ‘Paravi Sudha’, who is said to be connected to Konda Ranji’s drug and criminal network.

It has also come to light that the deceased, Upali Kulawardhana, was allegedly involved in soil smuggling with former politicians as well as involved in drug trafficking with ‘Konda Ranji’.

He had previously been sentenced to life in 2010 over a murder but was later released on appeal.

Following the shooting, police roadblocks were set up across the Western Province, North Division.

During these operations, Dungalpitiya Police had arrested 02 suspects near Dungalpitiya Lellama, Morawala, after a chase.

One suspect shot in the leg during the pursuit, is under hospital custody.

A search of their bag revealed a toy pistol and narcotics, with police stating that both suspects are heavily addicted to drugs.

It is still under investigation whether they are directly linked to the Kandana shooting.

Investigations are being conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Negombo Police Division.

(Source: Aruna)