Four suspects, including the two sons of former Minister Johnston Fernando, who were remanded over the misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry, have been released on bail by the Negombo High Court.

The other suspects released on bail today (31) are the former Working Director and the former Transport Manager of Lanka Sathosa. 

Johnston Fernando, his elder son Johan Fernando, his younger son Jerome Fernando, and the other two former state officials were arrested and remanded in connection with an investigation conducted by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) regarding the misuse of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa. 

It was alleged that the vehicle was used for operations linked to an ethanol company reportedly owned by Fernando, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs. 2.5 million to the state. (Newswire)

The post Sathosa lorry case : Johnston Fernando’s sons granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

State-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’, has rolled out a special island‑wide sales promotion from today (20), aimed at providing consumers with essential food items and goods at reduced prices during the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year festive season.

According to the Ministry of Trade, operating under the theme “Avurudu Siri from Sathosa”, the program offers discounts of up to 40% on 600 categories of essential goods. 

Customers making purchases above Rs. 2,500 will also receive coupons eligible for prizes.

The promotion will conclude at the end of April with a grand draw, where winners will receive prizes including a BAW electric car, electric scooters, household item sets, and smart mobile phones.

Price reductions on several essential goods have already been introduced, with Lanka Sathosa planning further reductions in the coming weeks.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference today, Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said Lanka Sathosa has drawn up a plan to ensure that consumers can access goods without shortages during the festive season.

“The Middle East conflict was reported at the end of February. Because we prepared from the beginning of March, we are able to provide relief to consumers during the festive season, offering goods at prices lower than the market without shortages. The aim now is not for Lanka Sathosa to make profits, but to provide relief to the people against the pressures and difficulties they face, ensuring that their shopping basket brings some comfort.

“Through our nearly 430 outlets, we will provide these concessionary prices until the end of the festive season. As a government, we are committed to giving maximum relief to the people through government institutions. Daily wage earners such as grass cutters, firewood collectors, labourers, and those commuting to work by motorcycle are facing hardships due to fuel shortages. We decided to provide relief through Lanka Sathosa by offering goods at reduced prices to prevent them from facing economic difficulties, too. Therefore, we invite the public to come to Lanka Sathosa to buy goods for affordable prices,” he said. (Newswire)

The post Lanka Sathosa offers festive relief with 600 essential goods at reduced prices appeared first on Newswire.

Three individuals, including the former Deputy General Manager (Finance) of Lanka Sathosa Limited, were arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Thursday (12 Feb).

According to the Bribery Commission, the individuals were arrested in connection with the sale of 54,860 kilograms of onions to a private party at Rs.135 per kilogram. 

The transaction, carried out without Cabinet approval and in violation of Lanka Sathosa regulations, allegedly aimed to benefit a private businessman and caused the institution a loss of Rs. 17,006,600.

The former Deputy General Manager (Finance) of Lanka Sathosa Limited and two businessmen were taken into custody by investigation officers of the Bribery Commission yesterday over allegations of assistance, support, and conspiracy.

The suspects were later produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and released on bail. (Newswire)

The post Former Sathosa DGM among 03 arrested over onion deal appeared first on Newswire.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando has arrived at the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with investigations into the alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry. 

Johnston Fernando had been notified to appear before the FCID today after the Police had launched a probe to arrest him in connection with an incident where a Lanka Sathosa lorry was allegedly misused, causing a financial loss to the state.

Indika Ratnamalala, who served as Transport Manager at Lanka Sathosa during Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Cooperative and Internal Trade, was arrested yesterday (04) in relation to the same incident. 

He was remanded until January 09 after being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.

He was remanded on charges of preparing forged documents to allow a Sathosa lorry to be used by an ethanol company owned by the former Minister, for the benefit of his son, Johan Fernando. (Newswire)

The post Johnston Fernando arrives at FCID appeared first on Newswire.

The distribution of an essential goods package for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival, from 01- 13 April 2025, has received Cabinet approval. 

According to the government, a proposal was submitted under the budget 2025 by the President for the provision of an essential goods package for a concessionary price during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festive season.

As such, it has been planned to provide a ‘timely food package’ containing essential food items valued at Rs. 5000 for only Rs. 2,500. 

The government expects to select appropriate beneficiaries among 812,753 candidates who have submitted new applications to receive Aswesuma benefits.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development along with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

Approval has been granted to take necessary steps to provide the food package to the beneficiaries through Lanka Sathosa outlets and Sri Lanka Consumer Co-operative Societies Federation outlets from 01- 13 April. (Newswire)

The post Govt to distribute ‘essential goods package’ for April New Year appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the cancellation of the liquidation of the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE), Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Jayatissa said the cancellation has been approved to rejuvenate the CWE and recommence commercial operations.

The then Cabinet of Ministers had decided in September 2024 to liquidate the Co-operative Wholesale Corporation Act No. 47 of 1949 and to liquidate the said establishment. 

According to the government, however, there is a possibility to perform a decisive role for the Co-operative Wholesale Corporation in the implementation of government roles within the market operation.

The government says CWE is capable of providing a continuous supply of quality goods and services to the public at a reasonable price through the promotion of market competitiveness in compliance with the “Rich country—beautiful life” policy framework. 

Therefore, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Trade, Commercial, Food Security, and Cooperative Development to abolish the previous cabinet decision on the liquidation of the CWE and recommence its business activities based on a feasible business plan. (Newswire)

The post CWE liquidation plan cancelled : Govt reveals new plan appeared first on Newswire.

The state-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’ has announced a reduction in the prices of five essential food items. 

According to Lanka Sathosa, the price reduction is effective from today (30 January 2025), on the directives of the Ministry of Finance.

As such, the price reduction per kilogram is as follows;

• Imported Big Onions

Reduced by – Rs. 10

New price – Rs. 220

• Wheat Flour

Reduced by – Rs. 10

New price – Rs. 165

• White Sugar

Reduced by – Rs. 05

New price – Rs. 235

• Red Lentils

Reduced by – Rs. 03

New price – Rs. 285

• Imported White Rice (Kekulu)

Reduced by – Rs. 01

New price – Rs. 209 (Newswire)

The post Sathosa reduces prices of five essential foods appeared first on Newswire.

The state-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’ has announced a reduction in the prices of several essential items, with effect from today (Jan 22).

According to Lanka Sathosa, the price reduction has been made on the directives of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Food Security. 

The list of essential items (per 01 kg) for which prices have been revised is as follows;

The post Sathosa reduces prices of several items, Dhal by Rs 2 appeared first on Newswire.

The number of coconuts sold daily through Sathosa outlets will be increased to 200,000 starting tomorrow (Dec 9) the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development said.

Coconuts sourced from government-owned plantations will be sold at Rs. 130 each at Sathosa outlets, particularly targeting urban areas, including Colombo.

Currently, Sathosa sells approximately 100,000 coconuts daily.

Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said that disruptions in coconut production caused by recent heavy rains have now eased, adding that he is confident that shortages will soon be resolved. (Newswire)

The post Govt to double daily coconut sales via Sathosa appeared first on Newswire.

Lanka Sathosa has announced measures to ensure the sale of rice and coconuts at controlled prices as announced by the Minister of Trade recently to ensure continuous supply during the festive season. 

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament yesterday that Rice Millers agreed to supply 200,000 kilos of rice daily, while one million coconuts will also be sold for Rs. 130 through Sathosa outlets.

Lanka Sathosa Chairman Dr. Samitha Perera announced that steps have been taken to distribute the stocks of rice and coconuts to Sathosa outlets today. 

He further said that however, one customer will only be allowed to purchase 03 coconuts and 05 kilos of rice at once. 

Dr. Samitha Perera said the public can obtain the rice and coconuts from Sathosa outlets in Colombo from this evening, and in the suburbs from tomorrow (Dec 06). (Newswire)

The post 05 kilos rice & 3 coconuts per person from Sathosa appeared first on Newswire.

The state-owned supermarket chain, ‘Lanka Sathosa’ has reduced the prices of ten (10) essential food items in view of the upcoming festive season.

Lanka Sathosa announced that the price reduction will be effective from today (Dec 15) until December 31, 2023. 

The revised prices are as follows:

1. Sathosa Milk Powder;

Reduced by – Rs. 10

New price – Rs. 940

2. Imported tuna cans;

425g reduced by – Rs. 55

155g reduced by – Rs.10

3. Local tuna can;

425g reduced by – Rs. 20

4. Imported & local potato;

Reduced by – Rs. 15

5. Red Nadu rice;

1kg reduced by – Rs. 15

6. White Nadu Rice;

1kg reduced by – Rs. 5

7. Kadala;

1kg reduced by – Rs. 5

8. Sugar:

New price – Rs. 275

9. Egg; 

New price – Rs. 35

10. Onion; 

New Price – Below Rs. 400 (NewsWire)

The post Festive season : Lanka Sathosa reduces prices of 10 essential food items appeared first on Newswire.

Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of 6 essential items with effect from today (May 24). 

The revised prices are as follows

• LSL milk powder (400g)  

Reduced by – Rs. 50

New price – Rs. 1,030 per kg

• Dried Chillies   

Reduced by – Rs. 45

New price – Rs. 1,350 per kg 

• Red lentils  

Reduced by – Rs. 10

New price – Rs. 325 per kg

• Soya Meat 

Reduced by – Rs. 10

New price –  Rs. 660 per kg

• Big Onions 

Reduced by – Rs. 06

New price – Rs. 129 per kg 

• Sugar 

Reduced by – Rs. 04

New price – Rs. 239 per kg (NewsWire)

The post Lanka Sathosa reduces prices of six essential items appeared first on Newswire.

State-owned supermarket chain Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of ten (10) essential items.

According to Lanka Sathosa, the price reduction will come into effect from midnight today.

The revised prices per kg are as follows:

• Dried Chillies 

Reduced by – Rs.120

New price – Rs.1380

• Garlic

Reduced by – Rs. 25

New Price – Rs. 450

• Samba rice (local)

Reduced by – Rs.11 

New price – Rs 199

• White Sugar

Reduced by – Rs.07

New price – Rs.210

• Big Onion

Reduced by – Rs.10

New price – Rs.119

• Sprats

Reduced by – Rs 25

New price – Rs 1100

• Chickpeas 

Reduced by – Rs 15

New Price – Rs. 555

• Potatoes (local)

Reduced by – Rs.10

New Price – Rs 270

• Canned Fish 425g

Reduced by – Rs 10

New price – Rs.520

• Vatana

Reduced by – Rs. 07

New price – Rs. 298 (NewsWire)

The post Lanka Sathosa reduces prices of 10 essential items appeared first on Newswire.

Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of seven (07) essential items.

The state-owned enterprise said the price reduction will come into effect today.

The revised prices are as follows

• Dried Chillies 

Reduced by – Rs.75 

New price – Rs.1500

• Red Dhal

Reduced by – Rs.19

New price -Rs.339

• Wheat Flour

Reduced by – Rs.15

New price – Rs.230

• White Sugar

Reduced by – Rs.11

New price – Rs.218

• Red Raw rice

Reduced by – Rs.09

New price – Rs.155

• White Nadu

Reduced by – Rs.07

New price -Rs.188

• Big Onion

Reduced by – Rs.06

New price – Rs.129 (NewsWire)

The post Sathosa reduces the prices of 07 essential items appeared first on Newswire.