November 06, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Sathosa has so far purchased more than 70,000 kilogrammes of big onions from local cultivators, while private traders have also made substantial purchases, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe announced.
According to the Minister, this year’s domestic big onion yield is estimated to be nearly four times higher than last year’s output. To assist farmers and stabilise market prices, the government has increased the import duty on big onions from Rs.10 to Rs.50 per kilogramme.
Sri Lanka’s annual demand for big onions stands at around 300,000 metric tonnes, with 7,000 metric tonnes imported in September and a further 12,000 metric tonnes in October. Although the higher import tax will remain in effect, the Minister admitted that it is only a partial remedy.
He said the authorities are also working to improve seed and fertiliser supplies to help locally grown onions achieve a shelf life comparable to imports from India.
Looking ahead, the Trade and Agriculture Ministries are formulating a joint programme to ensure that potato and onion cultivators are better protected from recurring market challenges by 2026.
Minister Samarasinghe further revealed that Keeri Samba rice cultivation will be expanded from 35,000 to 50,000 hectares in the coming seasons to avoid shortages and curb market manipulation by large millers. He noted that the current shortfall of approximately 100,000 metric tonnes has required a temporary 12-day import window for alternative rice varieties.
The government aims to boost Keeri Samba output starting this Maha season under the Yaya Pansiya (500 paddy fields) initiative.
He added that prices of around 40 essential goods have fallen by nearly 19 per cent this year and assured that further price reductions are being pursued. The Minister concluded that the forthcoming national budget will prioritise economic resilience and long-term development.
