October 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has confirmed the arrival of 3,500 metric tonnes of Ponni Samba rice as part of a government initiative to address the current shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the domestic market.
The move comes amid rising consumer demand and limited local supply, which have contributed to fluctuating prices in recent weeks.
The first shipment of Ponni Samba rice reached the island on October 23, with additional consignments arriving on the following Friday and Saturday. According to Customs officials, the rice is now being cleared and distributed under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and the Food Policy and Security Committee to ensure that supplies reach both wholesalers and retailers promptly.
The Cabinet of Ministers had earlier authorised the importation of GR-11 grade Ponni Samba from 15 October, following recommendations from food security experts who warned of an imminent shortage in premium rice varieties.
In an effort to expedite the process, the government temporarily lifted the requirement for import control licences, allowing importers to bring in consignments more efficiently. Each licensed importer was permitted to import up to 520 metric tonnes under the revised policy.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture noted that while local paddy cultivation has been affected by inconsistent rainfall and rising production costs, the government remains committed to maintaining stable food supplies and preventing market shortages. The current import measure, they said, is a short-term solution designed to stabilise consumer prices until the next harvest season.
