Courtesy Hiru News

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage stated that the mill owners are not able to determine the price of paddy, and it is done only by the Government.

The Minister stated this in response to a statement made yesterday (28) by the owner of a large-scale paddy mill, Dudley Sirisena.

Although the Cabinet decided to remove the control price imposed on rice yesterday, the relevant Gazette Notification has not been issued yet.

However, convening a press conference yesterday, businessman Dudley Sirisena announced the new prices of rice and paddy in front of the mill owners.

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage responded to his statement at a media briefing held in Colombo today (29). The Minister stated that businessman Dudley Sirisena could not decide the price of rice in the country.

Despite the Minister making such a statement, rice was being sold in many parts of the country at the prices announced by Dudley Sirisena yesterday.

Meanwhile, queues were seen in many parts of the island to obtain milk powder.

People, as well as shop owners, stated that there is not enough cement in the market to carry out production activities