The government will implement a special programme to control the prices of ten essential items, says Co-Cabinet spokesperson Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka.

Minister Karunathilaka said the decision was reached by the cabinet of minister after realising that prices of essential goods which were not affected by the increase in VAT, have gone up drastically in the recent months.

According to the Co-Cabinet spokesperson, a special committee which also includes the Prime Minister, was formed by the President to determine the price controls of the essential items

“A task force will be appointed under the Consumer Affairs Authority. This task force will be able to act around the country through the Police divisions”, said Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson

A clarification for the VAT increase

According to Minister Rajitha Senaratne, the true extent of all loans obtained was revealed three months ago with and 96% of the country’s income is being spent on paying off loans.

“The ADB has pledged to grant us $1.5 billion while the the World Bank has pledged to grant us $2.5 billion out of which fraction of that money has now been granted. VAT will remain in place until we receive all this money and our situation stabilises. We do not hope to keep this tax forever”, Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Co Cabinet Spokesperson

Minister Senaratne further clarified that relief will be provided to the public as early as the end of 2016.

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