Cabinet had approved the release of nearly US $ 50 million from banks to release nearly 800 containers of essential food items stranded at the port due to the dollar crisis Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs said today(27) Speaking at cabinet media briefing this morning, Mr. Alagiyawanna said that the decision was taken following a discussion between the importers and the government recently. The Minister further stated that related works will begin today itself. The Minister of State expressed the hope that if there is a shortage of essential food items in the country, it will be minimized through these measures.
“There are two types of containers stuck in the harbor. One is containers with confiscated , illegally imported goods. In addition there are containers of various essential goods stranded due to no issuing of Dollars for the payments.Yesterday Cabinet approved release the dollars for that containers. The illegally imported goods will be confiscated and released to the CWE. We have already taken the relevant decision ”he said.
