November 22, Colombo (LNW): The government has decided to import 70,000 metric tonnes of Swarna Nadu rice to address the immediate rice shortage in the market, Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe announced.
The rice will be imported through Sathosa and the State Trading Corporation, with Cabinet approval already granted. Minister Samarasinghe emphasized that the process will begin before December 15, ensuring rice is available to consumers without impacting local farmers’ interests.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister clarified that the imported rice would not be subject to tax reductions and would be priced at a maximum of Rs. 220 per kilogram. “Swarna Nadu is suitable for consumption in our country, and this measure will stabilize the market until the Maha season paddy harvest becomes available around January 15,” he said.
The Minister also accused certain parties of orchestrating a conspiracy to artificially inflate rice prices, pledging that the government would not permit profiteering at the expense of consumers.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the government would require a comprehensive report within two weeks on paddy and rice stocks linked to government loans. Failure to submit the required data will result in borrowers being ineligible for future loans.
This move aims to balance the immediate need for rice in the market with the long-term stability of the agricultural sector, ensuring fair pricing for both consumers and farmers.
