FM on surprise visit to supermarkets

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake paid surprise visits to several supermarkets in Colombo on Sunday to ascertain whether they maintained the standard commodity prices. The minister spoke to consumers and asked for their views on commodity prices. He found that many consumer goods were sold at ordinary prices, but some supermarkets were selling food items such as canned fish, sprats and powdered milk at different prices.

“We made a similar surprise visit to the Colombo wholesale market recently and inquired about prices of consumer goods. We also did a rough calculation as to what the prices will be when it reaches the retail outlets. During this visit, we also came to know that not only the ordinary retail shops but even supermarkets sell goods at lower prices,” he said.

Price differences were observed in powered milk and specially sprats, though the price of sprats is already controlled. MP Harshana Rajakaunra who accompanied the minister said canned fish was sold in one supermarket higher than the stipulated maximum price of Rs.150 and said that too was brought to the notice of the CAA.

The minister said however, 80% - 85% of the goods were being sold at low prices.

“We have decided to provide a relief sack of essential items to our consumers this week. This sack of 10 items of commodities worth Rs.1,515 will be provided at Rs.975 as a relief measure to the people during the New Year. This relief sack will be available until April 20. Potatoes, big onions, rice, sprats, sugar, canned fish, chopped chilies, gram and powdered milk are included in this New Year relief package. One million sacks of relief goods will be distributed throughout the country at a cost of Rs.540 million. The Finance Ministry will bear this cost difference,” the minister said.

MPS Kavinda Jayawardana and Harshana Rajakaruna also accompanied the Minister.

Most goods are being sold at low prices