President Mahinda Rajapaksa made this statement while addressing the first Cabinet sub committee on controlling the cost of living and food security.

All officials should be committed to take responsibility in attending to their duties properly, the President said.

The first Cabinet sub committee met with the new Cabinet and Ministry Secretaries at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (11 May).

The President instructed the sub committee that if the price increase of chicken is inevitable, measures should be taken to import chicken according to the country’s requirements. Steps have to be taken to provide chicken at a reasonable price, he said. The Committee’s attention focused on how to provide enough refrigerators to preserve all fishery products and agro-products.

The President pointed out the necessity to provide quality seeds to gain a bountiful harvest for farmers. There are shortcomings in providing them with quality seed paddy. Therefore, the country has been unable to reap the expected harvest, he said.

The President also stated that they should utilize all researches carried out by Universities to enhance the productivity in agriculture.

He directed the Agriculture Ministry Secretary to take immediate action to implement these proposals.