May 20, Colombo: Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that a program will be prepared to give the people the benefit of the rise in the value of the rupee compared to the dollar, which happened as a result of the special economic decisions taken by the government.

He said that since 75 percent of the goods in the market are imported goods, when the value of the dollar decreases compared to the rupee, the prices of those goods should also decrease within a reasonable period of time.

Speaking to the media yesterday (19) after an event, the Minister of State mentioned that a survey will be conducted together with the Department of Trade and Investment Policy of the Ministry of Finance and the Consumer Affairs Authority to explore the reduction of the price of goods.

The Minister of State further said the survey will find out how the prices of building materials, food, materials and equipment related to the agriculture industry as well as other essential goods including school equipment decrease, and if it does not decrease, what measures should be taken for reducing prices.