Sri Lanka reportedly imported some commonly grown food at a cost of US$ 295 million last year, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Madura Vithanage revealed in Parliament yesterday (Nov 20).
Addressing the Parliament, MP Vithanage said the imports include some commonly grown food, such as taro roots (kiri Ala), garlic, potatoes, tomato, papaw, watermelon, long beans, pineapple etc.
He pointed out that the imports have been made at a time when Sri Lanka expects a loan of US$ 300 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Stating that ministers must carry out their duty in their respective ministries with the funds allocated from the budget, the MP said it is pointless creating an economy that imports such commonly grown food items. (NewsWire)