Minister of State Shehan Semasinghe stated that rice prices will be controlled after the next Maha Season and relief will be provided to the farmers as well as to consumers. The Minister pointed out that rice industry is currently has been affected due to the arbitrary actions of a group of businessmen. He said this while was speaking at a series of programmes held recently in Rideegama, Kurunegala to coincide with the Prosperity Week which is currently being implemented island by the State Ministry of Samurdhi, Home Economics, Micro Finance, Self Employment and Business Development. “With the aim of integrating the rural economy into the national economy, we are launching 500 manufacturing villages throughout Sri Lanka covering all districts. The government supports them in everything from lending and consulting to finding markets. The budget has allocated funds for this purpose,” he said. Speaking further, he said, “Unfortunately, due to the arbitrary actions of certain swindlers, we as a government have problems controlling the price of rice. But we promise to change this situation after the next season and control the price of rice and do justice to the farmers and consumers. At the end of this year, the people will be able to enjoy the results of the decisions we have made for the people during these six months." He said that the previous administration took steps to obtain large loans. “However, it is still not possible to imagine what projects the loans were invested in. But as a responsible government we have to pay that debt as well,” he said.