Dec 25, Colombo: The Ministry of Industries and Commerce has taken measures to provide 7 essential food items at subsidized prices during the festive season and until April next year.

This decision was taken at the Cost of Living Committee meeting held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe recently.

These items are now available at all Sathosa outlets and also at Super Markets-Cargills, Keells, Arpico and Laugfs.

Accordingly, a kilo of Samba rice will be priced at 71 rupees and a kilo of Nadu rice will be 74 rupees.

A kilo of Bombe Onions is 135 rupees, while a kilo of potatoes will be sold at 139 rupees. Dhal will be sold at 124 rupees a kilo while a kilo of sprats will be sold at 215 rupees. A kilo of sugar will be sold at 100 rupees. A tin of canned fish weighing 425 grams will be priced at 127 rupees.

The Flying Squad of the Consumer Affairs Authority will be on the look out to nab errant traders who attempt to sell these essentials above the controlled prices. Minister of Industries and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen requests the public to inform the consumer affairs authority if they are aware of such errant traders.