In response to the ongoing currency crisis in Sri Lanka, the government is contemplating the implementation of price controls on various sectors, including rice harvesting services provided by combined harvesters, colloquially known as "boothaya," as well as three-wheelers and school vans.
During a parliamentary session, State Minister of Agriculture Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva announced plans to regulate the pricing for rice harvesting by combined harvester owners, starting from the upcoming Maha season.
However, concerns were raised by Member of Parliament Samanpriya Herath regarding the financial strain on combined harvester owners, many of whom have acquired the machines on lease and are struggling to service their debts. Herath emphasized the potential risk of industry collapse and urged for a balanced approach to the proposed price controls.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana disclosed plans to extend price regulations to three-wheelers and school vans. Gunawardana explained that the government intends to integrate three-wheelers under the national transport commission, which currently oversees bus fares, instead of establishing a separate regulatory authority. He mentioned forthcoming changes to the relevant laws to facilitate this adjustment.
