With food prices dropping, the rupee appreciating, and foreign exchange reserves climbing, the Government is considering lifting restrictions placed on certain imports in due course, Trade Commerce and Food Security Ministry Secretary Priyanka Atapattu told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
“We plan to lift the import restrictions in stages,” he said. “One can expect that the envisioned IMF bailout package will restore stability of exports and imports.”
“Even now, the banks are allowing Letter of Credit processes,” he said. “We asked Atapattu about the strikes and protests and how they would affect the country’s commerce, food distribution, and related concerns. He said the protests to be staged by these sections on March 15 and the following days have a minimal effect on the food distribution network.
“The private sector will not participate in it. The farmers will engage in their jobs. The wholesale traders, retailers, suppliers, and the rest will also engage in their businesses. They have no reason or a need to get involved in these protests.”
He said people could get their commodities at cheaper prices during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season and there are no commodity shortages in the market. There would be no shortages since the Government has improved commodity supplies and the food distribution network.