The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya yesterday scoffed at the Government›s Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for sugar, saying people would in effect be paying more due to mismanagement and corruption on the part of the State.

The Government on Thursday announced an MRP of Rs. 125 for kilo of white sugar (packed) whilst for white sugar (unpacked) it is Rs. 122 per kilo, brown sugar (packed) Rs. 128 per kilo, and brown sugar (unpacked) Rs. 125 per kilo. 

However, SJB MP and Co-Media Spokesman Manusha Nanayakkara said as per the November 2020 Gazette, the price of white sugar kilo (packed) was Rs. 90, unpacked was Rs. 85.

He said that the latest move in effect meant people having to pay higher.

“The hike comes after the Government reduced import duty on sugar to 25 cents. This saw large quantities being imported. However, the Government, in connivance with importers and traders, is claiming a sugar shortage with an ulterior motive of profiteering,” Nanayakkara said.

He pointed out that after seizing hoarded stocks that were imported at lower cost, the Government was expected to ensure consumers got sugar cheaper. “This hasn’t happened, instead people are forced to pay more,” the SJB MP charged and alleged that the “Government is doing deals with businesses”.

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