State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal today (2) denied reports that there is a food shortage in Sri Lanka.
Recently, AFP reported that Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency over a food shortage in the country as private banks run out of foreign exchange for finance imports.
Denying that there is a food shortage of the country, Cabraal stressed that local and international news reportage on the matter is ‘highly mischievous.’
These kinds of reports amount to fake news, he said and added that there was an artificial shortage of sugar created by unscrupulous hoarders. However, it has been dealt with by the government, he assured.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 30 August ordered emergency regulations to counter the hoarding of sugar, rice and other essential food items.
Furthermore, Major General (retired) N.D.S.P Nivunhella has been appointed as Essential Services Commissioner from midnight on 30 August.
