Vasanta Samarasinghe Denies Cement Price Increase, Defends Ranjan Jayalal Amid Controversy

Trade Minister Vasanta Samarasinghe has denied claims that cement prices have increased, insisting that the retail price of a cement bag remains unchanged at Rs. 2,400.

He made these remarks while speaking to the media following an appointment ceremony held at the Lanka Sathosa Head Office, where 55 employees received new appointments from the Minister. Ravindra Fernando, Chairman of the Sathosa institution, also attended the event.

Addressing concerns over cement prices, Samarasinghe explained that although the retail price is Rs. 2,400, consumers are not necessarily purchasing cement at that price, as various companies offer discounts. He said any reduction in sales commissions offered to dealers was a matter that needed to be discussed directly with the relevant companies.

He accused certain parties of attempting to create a misleading narrative that cement prices had increased, reiterating that there had been no change in the official retail price.

Commenting on international market conditions, the Minister said global prices could stabilise depending on developments following the US and Israeli election results. He also noted that an improvement in the international security situation could reduce shipping and insurance costs, while declining crude oil prices could further influence global market conditions.

Responding to remarks concerning Kaduwela's Mayor, Samarasinghe defended Ranjan Jayalal, stating that he was not someone who accepted gifts or personal benefits. He suggested that the comments had been made in the context of the particular group of people present at the time.

The Minister also referred to an incident involving a protest near the Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, dismissing allegations surrounding the incident as an attempt to create a false impression.

Drawing a comparison with a previous incident involving the statue of Viharamahadevi, he said that what he described as a staged performance had eventually ended at the Kingsbury Hotel.

He further stated that development activities in Anuradhapura were being carried out under the understanding and guidance of the Sacred Area Development Committee. He stressed that such development work would not be halted simply because someone had gone and occupied a particular location.

Samarasinghe concluded by warning that false narratives would not continue indefinitely and maintained that the government would proceed with its development plans.