Co-operative Movement ‘Must Be Strengthened’

Co-operative Movement Must Be Strengthened into a Robust Network that Plays an Active Role in the Market

President emphasizes the need at the 2027 pre-Budget discussion of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that, in a small market such as Sri Lanka, it cannot be expected that the prices of goods and services will be regulated solely through market competition.

The President stressed the need for the Government to establish a strong price regulation mechanism and, toward this end, to further strengthen Lanka Sathosa and the co-operative movement and utilize them as key market players.

The President made these remarks today (14) while participating in a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of projects being implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, as well as to discuss the Ministry’s 2027 pre-Budget proposals.

The meeting also conducted a comprehensive review of the performance of programs implemented by 16 departments, self-financing institutions and institutions operating with Treasury allocations under the Ministry, aimed at ensuring food security and safeguarding consumer rights.

It was noted that a program is being implemented to provide farmers with mechanical dryers on a concessionary basis for drying paddy and other grains. Arrangements have now been made to import 45 dryers, which will be provided to 45 selected institutions from among the 65 applicants.

The meeting also focused on the project to establish nine wholesale distribution centers covering all nine provinces of the country. It was noted that construction of the centers in Kurunegala and Matara has already been completed.