March 15, Colombo (LNW): The National Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (NCWE) has reassured the public that rice prices will remain stable during the upcoming festive season.
The organisation’s Chairman, Kosala Wilbawa, confirmed that the government has sufficient stockpiles to meet the expected demand for rice during this period, alleviating concerns over potential price increases.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe added that the Paddy Marketing Board has already begun releasing 50,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market to ensure steady supply.
Speaking during a visit to government rice reserves in Marandagahamula, the Minister highlighted that these stocks were sourced during the previous Yala season through a government-backed initiative, which saw paddy being bought from local farmers at guaranteed prices.
In an effort to efficiently distribute the rice across the nation, the NCWE is working closely with retail outlets, cooperatives, and Lanka Sathosa stores, ensuring that rice reaches the public without disruption. On a daily basis, over 300 metric tonnes of rice are being processed and distributed to maintain a consistent supply throughout the country.
Looking ahead, Minister Samarasinghe also revealed that the government intends to purchase over 100,000 metric tonnes of paddy during the current Maha season, as part of efforts to bolster national food security and maintain a stable food supply for the country.