Dec 12, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has revoked import duties on dry fish, Maldives fish, shrimp, red onions, chickpeas, green gram, cowpea, dried chilies and canned fish with immediate effect with the hope of managing the soaring cost of living during the festive season.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa instructed that these changes come into effect starting yesterday.

The Rs. 20 per kilo import duty on big onions and potatoes has been fully removed and Rs. 5 has been waived off the import duty on wheat flour.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs is planning to import essential commodities directly from India through the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment to control prices. These items are to be distributed through Lak Sathosa outlets.

The prices of several essential food items have increased in the local market owing to the rainy weather over the past few days. This situation was aggravated due to demand for food items during the festive period.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning says the tariff concessions granted for export of dhal will continue through January 31 to benefit local farmers. City Bank Card, Chase low rate loan, American Express