The special commodity levy on imported sugar has been increased by Rs. 10 per kilo with effect from midnight yesterday (6th).
This would increase sugar prices and all items prepared with sugar. Accordingly, the prices of tea, plain-tea, sweets and bakery products would go up in price.
The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection states sugar is an essential commodity but it has no controlled price. As a result traders sell sugar at various prices points out the Movement. However, the government states the increase in levy for imported sugar is to promote local sugar industry.
The government planned to hand over more than 65,000 acres from Uva to a foreign company on the pretext of promoting sugar industry. However, many in the area including JVP Provincial Councilor have pointed out planting sugarcane would lead to environmental issues and ask the government why no programmes are promoted to cultivate other crops that are friendly to the environment and which could earn foreign exchange.
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