Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando has issued instructions that within the next 20 days, 15 Sathosa outlets should be opened.

A spokesman for the Ministry told The Island that all Sathosa outlets throughout the country should be operational before the end of this year (2010), and as an initial move, 15 outlets in Kilinochchi, Mannar and the cleared areas in the North are already in operation.

"This move will also help to give employment for the youth in the area. People living in the cleared areas can also purchase consumer goods at reasonable prices," said the spokesman for the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade.

The Ministry has also decided to help the consumers to purchase essential food items at reasonable prices from Sathosa outlets countrywide. The Ministry has also decided to call for tenders to provide essential food items at retail prices for the benefit of the consumers.