Industrial Minister Worries on Interference on ministry matters by another minister

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo 

Local Industrial Minister Kumar Welgama said one of the leading minister in the present government interferes and intimidates Industrial Development Ministry matters and shows a heaven for the masses.
Addressing a news conference today at his ministry premises Minister Welgama said that the Engineering Services Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne tried to forward a cabinet memorandum on local cement sector without his consent as the Industrial Development Minister.
“He cannot interfere in matters of the Ministry of Industrial Development , said the angry minister who hopes to make aware the masses on current cement prices of the country.
He said that the government tries to maintain low price on cement, but multinational companies add their transport charges on cement prices .At present most of local cement companies sell their Bag of cement over seven hundred rupees .
“We cannot reduce this price , because the companies add their transport expenditure on cement , he said.
Replying questions raised by media he said Minister Rajitha Senaratne made a number of speeches against the ministry of industrial development and made discussions with the Chairmen of government owned cement companies without informing the Ministry of Industrial Development.
“ It is not a fair matter , the minister said.
Explaining current cement prices the minister said a number of Worldwide companies made their tenders to supply cement in bulk form .Some of companies deposited the cash bonds , but they are still not in a position to supply cement to Sri Lanka.
“If we start Kankasanaturai cement plant we can sell cement under low price, he said.
Plans are underway to setup a Cement Packing Plant in Trincomalee .
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