Sri Lankan authorities to crack down on traders selling rice above controlled prices

Sri Lanka's Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando has called on the Chairman of Consumer Protection Authority to take action against traders who sell rice above the controlled prices.



However, traders have said that the prevailing weather conditions have resulted in the increase in rice prices.

Head of the Old Moor Street Traders Association, K. Palaniandy has told the media that rice prices have increased above the controlled prices since the farmers are unable to dry their stock of paddy due to the rainy weather conditions.

The Minister has asked the Consumer Protection Authority to conduct more raids and take legal action on the errant traders.

Minister Fernando has pointed out that the government has enough stocks of rice and that he will not hesitate to take action against the traders who exploit the current disaster situation to raise prices.