Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2013-04-18

'Divi Neguma'/Agrarian Development New Year Fair - 05th to 12th April, 2013

- Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, informed the Cabinet of Ministers through a Note submitted by him, that 364 Divi Neguma New Year Fairs sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development in association with several government institutions, were conducted throughout the country during the festive season to provide essential consumer items to the general public at affordable prices. Over 800,000 consumers have attended these fairs resulting in an income of Rs.131.0 million. Cabinet also observed that market prices of vegetables and certain other items had gone down by about 30% during this festive season when compared with the prices which prevailed during normal times. In addition, a relief pack containing essential food items was also distributed by the Ministry of Co-operatives and Internal Trade to consumers at a very reasonable price.