Colombo Traders Union has met the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen today (2) and explained how to avoid frauds and irregularities in the rice market and pointed out the difficulties confronted by them.
First, they proposed to increase tax on imported rice and equate the price difference between imported and local rice. Secondly they requested to consider world market prices from time to time while fixing maximum retail prices of essential goods. By this act suppliers as well as consumers could be protected.
In response, Minister thanked them for bringing these matters to his notice and said, that fixing maximum retail price is not confined only to his Ministry but depends on direction given at top levels and guidance by the cost of living committee. Fixing maximum retail price is a coordinating effort , he said.
He requested 210 membership Colombo Traders Union to submit above matters with their recommendations in writing to him, so that he will be able to take it up higher levels .
