Gazettes have not benefited people; unions say

COLOMBO (News1st): The Federation of National Organizations has raised concerns that the relief expected through several gazettes have not been granted to the public. Dr Wasantha Bandara, a unionist, observed that a gazette has been issued instructing that rice purchased at Rs 96 must be sold at Rs 98, and cornflour purchased at Rs 74 must be sold at Rs 84. "This would hinder the selling of rice and an artificial shortage will be created," Dr Bandara noted citing these moves as a conspiracy to destroy farming communities. The secretary of the Patriotic National Movement highlighted that a group of henchmen allied to a senior official are manipulating such moves. "There is a top official at the Presidential Secretariat, and for over 30 years he not rendered any sort of service to the nation. He has henchmen in the Treasury. They are the ones who have orchestrated this," he said.