Expedite release of essential goods from customs - President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed officials to take the necessary steps to release freight containers with essential items that are held by Sri Lanka Customs.

The President had reached this decision with the objective of ensuring that there is no shortage of food and essential goods in the local market.

The President had also appointed a committee headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of food and essential items.

The President on Monday (7) had stressed the need to provide the general public with the opportunity to make purchases for the upcoming holiday season without having to experience any shortage.

The President had noted that the opportunity will be given to import selected essential items and there should be no room for anyone to import in excess for ulterior motives and to conceal stocks for profits.

The committee led by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was tasked with preparing streamlined mechanisms to release essential items to the local market while regulating and monitoring the process.