Jaffna NGOs Federation wants probe into shortage of essential goods

[TamilNet, Friday, 29 May 2009, 22:52 GMT]
Federation of Jaffna Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in its meeting held Thursday at Koayil Veethi office in Jaffna to discuss the current acute shortage of essential food items including wheat flour and sugar extended an urgent request to Jaffna Government Agent (GA) to investigate into the issue and identify the persons responsible for the shortage of essential food items in Jaffna peninsula. Wheat flour, sugar and other essential commodities are being sold 20 to 25 rupees higher than their normal price in the black market, the representatives of NGOs Federation said.

Despite Jaffna GA’s recent announcement that immediate steps have been taken to get down wheat flour from Trincomalee and sugar from Colombo these food items are yet to arrive.

The GA, however, blamed the Muliti-purpose Co-operative Societies in the peninsula for the delay in getting down the essential food commodities caused by their non-cooperation, sources in Jaffna said.

The NGOs Federation which includes Fisheries Organizations too urged the GA to ensure regular supply of essential food items