Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that since the Government banned the re-export of spices and allied products etc., there is an instant relief to minor export crop cultivators and small and medium Scale industrialists in the country. “The price of pepper has increased two fold. Apart from that, the prices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and ginger are bound to increase further,” he said.The Prime Minister said the government is obliged and determined to implement the undertakings and promises given in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) election manifesto.He said that there was no ban on soil and sand excavation etc. and only the ban on the transporting of sand has been lifted resulting in an immediate price drop in sand from Rs. 64,000 to Rs.30,000 or less per load.

“The Rajarata tanks are now at spill level after a long lapse. The previous government totally forgot the agriculture sector thus causing hardships to the farming community. We launched the large scale sediment disposal in the tanks which did not continue under the previous government. We are going to revive the renovation of the country’s dilapidated tank network soon. This would provide the maximum possible benefits to public for enabling them to empower their livelihood,” the Prime Minister emphasized.He also instructed Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental Minister S.M. Chandrasena and Anuradhapura Government Agent R.M. Wanninayake to implement an overall disaster relief programme for people affected by the torrential rains and floods.The Prime Minister also paid courtesy calls on the Chief Incumbents of Mirisawetiya and Anuradhapuara Samboddhi Jayanthi Temple namely Ven. Ethalawetunawewa Gnanarathana and Ven. Nugethenne Pagnanadha Theras respectively.