Subsequent to his appointment as the Sathosa chairman, Atapattu has slashed the number of suppliers from 60 to 05 by claiming that investigations are being held on the majority of the suspended suppliers.

However, the selected five suppliers also include the 'Wayamba Traders' of Kurunegala, which is said to be linked to tainted former Trade Minister Johnston Fernando.

It has been revealed that the chosen five suppliers have set up a company named Fancy Traders, which is supplying goods at exorbitant rates to Sathosa after obtaining goods from former Sathosa supplier - Amro Sugas.

For example, Fancy Traders have procured 400 metric tons of dhal at Rs.142 a kilo from Amro Sugas and sold it to Sathosa at Rs.151 a kilo.

Similarly, Fancy Traders have purchased 25 tons of dried chillies at Rs. 212 a kilo from Amro Sugas and sold the entire stock to Sathosa at Rs. 236.90 a kilo.

Analysts say that the government’s decision to bring down the prices of essential items has been undermined by Sathosa.

After obtaining goods at such high prices, Lanka Sathosa is currently unable to provide the essential goods at the relief prices as promised to the public by the Finance Minister, reports say.

Due to this scam,  the following food items are compelled to be sold as follows :

Product         Old price (per kilo)   Prices now  (per kilo)

Potato              Rs.65                       Rs.80

Dried chillies    Rs.245                     Rs. 265

Watana Dhal    Rs.132                     Rs. 139

Gram              Rs.138                     Rs.155

Red Nadu rice  Rs.77                       Rs. 85

Maldive Fish     Rs. 1740                 Rs. 1800