Former United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has criticized the government’s proposed concessionary rice scheme for public servants, describing it as disrespectful if implemented as reported.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake was responding to recent remarks by a government minister regarding a proposal to provide 20 kilograms of rice to public servants under a payment scheme.
The MP described the proposal as unnecessary and said that, if such a statement had indeed been made, he would view it as an affront to the dignity of public servants.
Karunanayake also said he found it difficult to believe that the Minister of Trade would propose such a scheme and suggested that the circumstances surrounding the statement should be clarified.
“Twenty kilograms is a very small quantity. I was surprised to hear such a statement. If it was made, it would be better to clarify the matter immediately and explain the intended pricing mechanism instead. I do not understand the rationale behind such a proposal. It is a serious issue because I do not believe a Trade Minister would propose providing 20 kilograms of rice under a payment scheme. There are more important issues that should be addressed,” Karunanayake said.
The government has previously announced plans to introduce a concessionary programme under which public servants would be able to purchase 20 kilograms of locally produced rice through a special payment mechanism using vouchers redeemable at selected outlets.
