Sri Lanka Government Sets Maximum Rice Prices in Face of Food Crisis

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a special discussion with the ministers of Trade, Finance, Agriculture, National Security and Nation Building, the relevant secretaries and other high-ranking officials pertaining to mitigating the immense burdens suffered by all consumers as a result of the soaring price of rice, decided to set maximum wholesale and retail prices for rice with effect from midnight today.

This will come to effect at midnight today and has been stated in a gazette notification, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.

Selling rice at prices higher than the maximum prices set, not displaying prices, hoarding, misleading the consumer, not furnishing receipts, are all deemed punishable offenses under the Consumer Protection Act 18 (1).

The Government requests the public to inform the Consumer Protection Authority through the relevant Divisional Secretary or nearest Government Agent wherever such infringements occur or are suspected to have occurred.

The Consumer Protection Authority has introduced a new hot line number for the public to register complaints pertaining to the price of rice so that prompt action could be taken where necessary.

Consumers can call the CPA over 011-2321696.

Anusha Palpita

Director of Government Information

Source: Government of Sri Lanka

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