Businessmen only seeking to make profit: Lanza

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Nimal Lanza says that it is incorrect to refer to businessmen as 'mafia'. Speaking to media after an event in Wattala, the State Minister said that businessmen and entrepreneurs are only seeking to make profit, and that he does not like the term 'mafia'. The State Minister said that there is no rice shortage in the country in response to a query about the frequent imposition and removal of gazette notifications and whether it is a issue for the Government. " Just because the gazette was published today does not mean it was hidden anywhere for a long time. But I think today people are getting rice without any shortage. Especially after the Government decided to control the price by bringing in 100,000 metric tons of rice. Therefore, I think in two or three weeks time, the price to be paid for rice will be a little lower than it is today. But we are not saying that it will reduce the amount paid to the farmer. I definitely think the farmer will get a good price over Rs. 60 at least" He said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OhwLM4GGY