Colombo (LNW): Measures have been taken to address the shortage of Keeri Samba rice ahead of the upcoming festive season, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando revealed.
Speaking at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Food Security convened in Parliament on Thursday (23), the Minister asserted that steps have been taken to import a rice stock similar to Keeri Samba to meet the demand.
The Minister highlighted the efforts of major paddy mill owners to address the artificial shortage of Keeri Samba and samba rice, caused by withholding stocks from the market.
He further outlined plans to empower the business community by focusing on issues faced by small and medium-scale paddy mill owners.
Fernando also addressed the reported shortage of sugar in the local market due to concealed stocks after the imposition of a maximum retail price. Importers, facing challenges in distributing sugar at the set price, have suspended further imports, and to mitigate the risk of a sugar shortage, the maximum retail price on sugar will be removed, he stressed.
Lanka Sathosa, under Minister Fernando’s direction, has successfully provided essential products at affordable prices. As part of efforts to bring relief to consumers during the festive season, Lanka Sathosa is reducing prices on nearly 400 items, including essential food items.
The Trade Minister also confirmed that the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and Trade Fair, an initiative introduced by the late Lalith Athulathmudali, will be relaunched. The event is scheduled to take place from December 13 to 17, 2023, at the Ja-Ela Municipal Council Grounds, Fernando revealed.
The Committee meeting, attended by Ministers, MPs, the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Safety, and officials from relevant institutions, discussed these strategic measures to ensure a stable supply of essential goods and address market challenges.
