Traders suspend protest: Government grants month’s grace period
The government yesterday decided to offer a month’s grace period for traders after considering the issue concerning the compulsory use of plastic crates to transport vegetables and fruits.
Internal Trade and Cooperatives Ministry sources said that following a meeting between the President and traders on the issue of making plastic crates compulsory in transporting fruits and vegetables, it was decided that a relief period of one month will be given.
In response the traders have decided to suspend their protest campaign and engage in their normal day to day businesses. Also after considering the difficulties faced by transporters, authorities have decided to amend the list of fruits and vegetables which have been categorised as compulsory for transportation in plastic crates, a ministry spokesman said.
In addition, contrary to certain speculation the compulsory use of plastic crates does not involve farmers but only traders who transport fruits and vegetables in vehicles over a long distance, he added.
Also the traders on the occasion have agreed to abide by the above decisions.
The Ministry yesterday also urged both traders and farmers not to fall prey to political forces with vested interests who are trying to exploit the issue.
Courtesy: Daily News
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- WFP begins fortified Rice distribution for school meals across Sri Lanka April 20, 2024
- General Amnesty announced for Tri-Forces AWOL personnel, excludes Commissioned Officers April 20, 2024
- Sri Lanka and United States discuss Economic Support and Reforms April 19, 2024
- Israeli missile strikes Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions April 19, 2024
- President says he will build a Sri Lanka that the youth aspire to April 19, 2024
The Govenment opinion is correct, but the thye have to educate our farmers or traders gradually. If any one doing good thing for people should welcome that, but when the Govenment dose it should be long term goal rether then short term once. We have to learn lots from others to develop our nation in every aspects.
BE COOL, BE CALM, BE SMART, BE HELPFUL, BE GENEROUS AND BE FORGIVE PERSON…we are the winner’s…when individual change the nation will change in general
These traders are totally irresponsible. They are holding the government and the nation to ransom. Where is their patriotism? They should align themselves with ‘MC Idiri Dekma’ to develop as in Western countries by proper packaging and marketing, for the benfit of the nation. They cannot be stuck in a rut in the old system of packaging, through which much of the veg and fruits are wasted. GOSL had given them and educated them over one whole year to change to the new system for the benefit of the consumers, the traders and the farmers. But a few morons do not wish to change. The plastic crates are even provided at a very small price, can even be hireed for a small price. Yet a few traders are too stubborn to change. I think they are tools of JVP and such traitors in our midst. They need to be taught a good lesson if they cannot change for the better.
Plastic crates are environmentally unsuitable items. After use they cannot be destroyed in an enviromentally safe manner or recycled. They need to be buried under the ground.
There are environmentally friendly materials available to make crates; they are very dear.
If the Govt is keen on ensuring safe handling of vegetables and fruits, they could have explored and come up with containers that can be made with local materials. This venture would create opportunities for Sri Lankans at all levels, from entrepreneurial to factory workers.
The Govt could have provided the initial consignment of containers, say 10 million units, free of charge to the transportation industry. I am sure 1/100 of the money spent on the grandiose Nelum Pokuna Monster would be adeqaute for this purpose.
Just another missed opportunity; maybe someone’s after the “komis” on importing cheap plastic crates at 5 times their price !
FM is such an ignoramus, it is unbelievable!
These plastic crates are meant to be used permanently, over and over again. They are not disposable!
They are widely used in all developed countries for safe transportation of perishable veg and fruits, so that their shop life and home life is extended, unlike fruits and veg transported in old pora sacks, which get damaged easily in transit.
We have to advance with the times as developed countries do, old boy! So stop moaning FM! Perhaps because you are a hybrid of German extraction by your own admission, Nazi type methinks not, it explains why you have so little spirit of patriotism.
Plastic basket system good for salers and customers too,vegatables keep long and healthy also.