Sri Lanka, Dec. 13 -- The government will liberalise the import of wheat flour to end the monopoly by two multi-national companies and reduce the tax on wheat flour, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday. Permits will be issued to import wheat flour to keep flour prices steady to benefit estate workers and urban populations during the festive season until the Maha season yield of paddy is harvested.
The two multinational wheat flour importers are used to increasing wheat prices as and when they feel like it and without consulting the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) or the trade ministry as required by the contractual obligations. Minister Pathirana told reporters at the weekly Cabinet news briefing that the govern...