December 15, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 8,000 metric tons of imported rice have been made available in the local market to address the ongoing demand, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe disclosed.
The rice, procured through open tenders, was distributed to alleviate pressure on supply and ensure sufficient availability across the country.
Minister Samarasinghe assured the public that all relevant authorities have been instructed to carry out rigorous inspections on the imported rice stocks to maintain quality standards.
He further revealed that substandard rice was detected in three of the 75 containers received from a particular supplier.
These affected stocks will be returned to the supplier, and the Ministry has emphasised the importance of strict quality control measures.
In addition to addressing the current supply situation, the Minister announced plans for future imports, stating that after 20 December, rice will be imported through government agencies such as Lak Sathosa and the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation.
