December 29, 2010

Sri Lanka uses imported poultry to prevent consumer exploitation

The Sri Lankan government is importing chicken and eggs to prevent consumers from being exploited by unscrupulous traders, said Johnston Fernando, Sri Lankan Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister.

Fernando assured that he would not permit the poultry industry to be affected by the imports of these items.

He said the government is concerned about the consumers as well as the producers. "We have taken every possible effort to ensure that those who are involved in the poultry industry are not affected by the chicken and eggs imports," he added.

These items would be imported to the country until the prices of chicken and eggs decrease in the local market.

Fernando also said that the imported chicken would be available in all Lak Sathosa outlets islandwide from today (Dec 29) and a kilogramme of chicken is sold at LKR350 (US$3.16).

He said the price of imported chicken can be further reduced and thatthe ministry would not go for further price reduction as it may affect the local poultry industrialists.

Fernando added that necessary clearance was taken from the Animal Husbandry Department and other relevant departments.