Bring back the ration book system to ease the burden of the most vulnerable people

One of the most significant problems faced by the vulnerable sections of the people today is the daily increases in the prices of food items such as rice, dhal, sugar, milk powder and flour, no doubt caused by the depreciation of the rupee and increase in commodity prices in the world markets.

The measures taken by the government were not adequate as price control for essential food items only resulted in shortages.

Before the introduction of the open economy after 1977 there was in operation a ration book system (coupon) and the people benefited as essential food items were sold as subsidised rates at the cooperatives and CWE outlets.

Hence as a preliminary step the government should carry out, with the assistance of the Census Department and the Grama Niladhari officers, a survey to determine the vulnerable sections of the population affected by the unbearable price increases who will be entitled to purchase goods at subsidised prices from the co-operatives and CWE outlets.

The government should seek the support of opposition parties in implementing this ration book system as it is essential the masses should have some relief. K.S. Ekanayake Pannipitiya