Protest across the nation calling to bring down price of staple goods

Protest rallies have been held across the country at numerous islands against the prices of staple goods being double with the long-standing subsidies being cut off.

The rallies were held from this afternoon to sundown in many islands calling to reinstate the subsidies for staple goods.

While people of all ages took part in the rallies protesting against the elevated prices of basic services such as electricity, they also called against rise of corruption in the country.

The government decided to remove the subsidies on staple goods starting on 1 October and give it to those in poverty alone. The decision has caused the price of staple goods to be doubled.

Subsidies to those living in poverty are to be given through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) at a rate of MVR 40 per head an MVR 240 per household.