State Minister for Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna said that the service of the Commissioner General of Essential Services has been discontinued as it is no longer needed.
Previously, Major General M. S. P. Nivunhella was appointed as the Commissioner General of Essential Services to coordinate the distribution of consumer goods including paddy, rice and sugar.
“The government has decided that there is no need at the moment to continue the role of the Commissioner of Essential Services. Now that law does not exist. Parliament passed it only for a month.” He said
“The importers informed us that they will manage the dollar shortage issue if the maximum price controls were removed. That’s why we have relaxed these” he said commenting on the removal of price controls on several consumer goods.
The state minister also went on to say that presently there is price control only on four items.
“Currently there is a control price for PCR testing, antigen testing, dengue antigen testing, water bottles. At present there is no need to change that.” He added. (NewsWire)