Task force headed by Basil Rajapaksa to distribute goods to the public

COLOMBO (News 1st):- The government has announced that a mechanism to distribute goods without any disruptions will come into effect from tomorrow (March 25). A Task Force headed by Basil Rajapaksa has been appointed to manage the process of selling goods door to door in the country. The Task Force comprises of several entities including secretaries of ministries, district secretaries, and divisional secretaries. The Presidential Secretariat announced that leading supermarket chains and suppliers have been instructed to engage in door to door sales of essential goods. Engaging in a telephone conversation, the Minister of Mahaweli Development, Agriculture & Trade, Chamal Rajapaksa said:

"Dhal and salmon will be distributed. There will be big onions and potatoes as well. The people can purchase what they want. We have prepared packs ranging from Rs. 500 to 2000. In addition to that vegetables and coconuts will be distributed in lorries. The assistance of the Civil Security Force will be obtained to sell these to the residents of Dematagoda, Borella, Maradana, and Maligawatte. We have made arrangements for those who are financially capable to purchase goods only on a daily basis. We have obtained the required data from the divisional secretariats and the Grama Niladhari offices. We will distribute these goods based on that."

He continued to say:

"There are certain companies which have door to door facilities. We have held talks with them as well. When we inform them to sell these packs from door to door, they will do so. Sometimes, we might decide to open a few retail stores while the curfew is in effect for people to purchase goods based on their requirements. However, at certain Sathosa outlets we have seen that stocks sufficient for several weeks have been purchased within an hour. Some people are purchasing goods excessively. It is pointless to do such things."

A member of the newly formed Presidential Task Force on Supplying Essential Goods, Dr Priyath Bandu Wickrama commented saying:

"A committee has been appointed under the leadership of Basil Rajapaksa comprising representatives of government organizations and the private sector. This committee aims to restrict people to their homes and to implement a mechanism that would allow them to obtain the essential goods from their homes. We hope to implement this programme with key suppliers and stores such as Sathosa."