A discussion was held under the Chairmanship of the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, with the participation of the relevant Ministers, Secretaries to the Ministries and Heads of Departments on the setting up of a mechanism for the continuous and efficient distribution of essential services and consumer goods to the local public, at Temple Trees on May 09.
According to the report prepared by the Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Anton Perera regarding that discussion, if a quarantine curfew is imposed or if any area or district is isolated, it is essential that the distribution mechanism be continued to maintain the supply of goods and services required by the people in those areas.
Accordingly, licenses should be issued to a minimum number of mobile vendors in accordance with health guidelines when necessary to distribute food items within or outside the District.
Government Banks, Sathosa Sales outlets, Co-operative Wholesale Corporation, Economic Centres, Manufacturing Industries, Distribution Networks and Co-operative Warehouses need to be kept open at all times in compliance with healthcare regulations, report said.
It was also discussed that if a quarantine curfew is imposed or an area is isolated, the Presidential Task Force would decide to continue to provide the goods and services required by the people in that area.
Accordingly, the Presidential Task Force said in view of the prevailing Covid 19 epidemic situation, steps have been taken to provide continuous and efficient distribution of essential services and consumer goods to the people at the local level.
Accordingly, under the emergency services provisions, focus was placed on the supply of water, electricity, gas, fuel, personal healthcare, communications, waste management and emergency management. In addition, it was also discussed about the supply of essential consumer goods such as rice, vegetables, fruits, potatoes, lentils, onions, chilies, dried fruits, coconuts, coconut oil, poultry, fish, eggs, milk powder, medicines and sanitary ware directly to households.
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa also pointed out that it would be very useful to work with relevant agencies, distribution networks and rural distributors to complete preliminary discussions expeditiously.
