Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said that Cabinet approval has already been granted for this purpose.

Branches will be set up in more populated areas islandwide with immediate effect to provide relief to consumers as well as to farmers, fulfilling another pledge of the Mahinda Chinthanaya.

“Consumer Cooperative Societies Federation of Sri Lanka Ltd (COOPFED) branches will be increased to 20 by August to provide an efficient and quality service, providing essential items at reasonable prices to consumers,” the minister added.

Minister Fernando said that opening up of Lak Sathosa branches islandwide has helped to maintain stability in commodity prices.

“Private traders and Lak Sathosa have to compete with each other leading to lower prices of essential goods,” he said.

The minister added that the Lak Sathosa, Co-op city, mini co-op city and COOPFED branches countrywide have strengthened the farmer community who now receive fair prices for their products from these centres.