NO need to increase price of gas: Prime Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister of Finance - Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday (Mar. 17) said there is NO need to increase the price of gas since there is NO shortage of gas in the country, the Prime Minister's Office said. The Premier made this statement whilst addressing a review meeting on the country's economic situation and Market held at the Temple Trees on Wednesday (Mar. 17). Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also drew his attention towards providing relief to the consumers with regard to rice, coconut, milk powder, meat, fish, eggs, dhal, red grains, potatoes, vegetables, and gas. Whilst presenting a report during the discussion, the Central Bank's Economic Research Unit pointed out that easing import controls could lead to an increase in the market deficit. Thereby, the representatives from the Central Bank emphasized the importance of raising foreign exchange through programs to uplift local agriculture and strengthen local businesses, Prime Minister's Media Unit further added.