The essential food items imported to Sri Lanka have enough in their hands for less than another month and the non-issuance of sufficient dollars by the banks to import these food items has led to this situation, said the spokesperson of the Essential Food Importers Association. He further said that due to this the prices of essential food items have gone up and requested the government to take steps to control the situation.
The Food Importers Association yesterday (27) briefed the Minister of State on Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena and State Minister for Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna on the current situation in the government. Mr Seneviratne further stated that he hopes that steps will be taken to alleviate the situation.
It costs around the US $ 100 million a month to import a variety of food items such as dhal, sugar, Milk powder, potatoes, onions, canned fish and coriander. Mr. Seneviratne pointed out that many import activities have become inactive and that importers have faced a number of unforeseen crises due to this situation.
However, we need to understand that the government is in a difficult position at the moment in the face of the dollar crisis, but the government will have to take steps to find a solution to the issue of imports of essential food items, Seneviratne said.
