A special delegation left for Myanmar on Sunday, on a diplomatic trade mission according to an agreement which both the countries had signed for food exchange.
Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardene speaking to the Asian Tribune said that the aim of the tour is getting ready for any food shortage in the coming festive season. The Minister also said that arrangements will also be made to control any price hike of essential food items during the festive season.
The delegation to Myanmar is led by Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane and officials from Lak Sathosa are joined with the Minister. The delegation is due to meet and discuss with the Myanmar Trade Minister and several leading businessmen in Myanmar.
As the Cabinet had approved to import 50,000 metric tons of rice, the delegation will engage in the process. Minister Gunawardane also said that the Government’s plan is to have some reserve stocks.
An official from the Trade Ministry said that the government will also import several other essential food items to meet any artificial shortage in the market. Meanwhile, the government has also made the arrangements to release 40,000 metric tons of rice at the paddy Purchasing Board to the market soon. Those will be distributed island wide through the Lak Sathosa and Corp-City networks.
- Asian Tribune -
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/11/02/sri-lanka-import-rice-myanmar-face-any-artificial-shortage
