As sugar prices increase by the day, importers likely to get concessions

COLOMBO (News 1st); Activists have called on the State Minister for Consumer Rights to name the businessmen who gain Rs. 100/- per kilogram of Sugar sold in Sri Lanka.

Asela Sampath, the convener of the Organization to Protect Consumer Rights said the State Minister had conceded to this fact, however, has failed to name those businessmen.

He said these very businessmen profited when the tax was reduced by Rs.49/- in 2020.

Further, he said the sugar present in the market does not meet the proper standards.

At the same time, Sri Lanka's Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena is planning on granting concessions to Sugar importers since their consignments are stuck at the port dude to the crisis in foreign reserves.

"We told sugar importers that they cannot sell sugar. We will waive the port fees. But all of it must be given to Sathosa. The key to the sugar storage must be given to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, the Ministry of Trade, and to Sathosa. These three entities will deliver the Sugar to Sathosa. Although the port will incur a loss, I made this decision to reduce the prices of sugar," he said.

Sugar stocks sufficient for a year were imported to the country after the government reduced the import tax per kilogram to 25 cents.

The Committee on Public Accounts or COPA said the loss to the state from the Sugar Scam is around Rs. 15 Billion.

Lasantha Alagiyawanna, the State Minister for Consumer Rights saod the matter on reducing the price of Sugar will be discussed with the President, the government and the Finance Ministry.