Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe addressed concerns over the current red rice shortage, attributing it to mismanagement by previous governments. He assured the public that measures are underway to stabilize supply, especially with the Thai Pongal festival approaching.
“We understand that red rice is a staple for many, particularly during cultural celebrations like Thai Pongal. The shortage has understandably raised concerns, and I want to shed light on its causes,” Samarasinghe said.
The Minister explained that red rice cultivation is traditionally concentrated in areas such as Matara, Galle, Hambantota, and other parts of the Southern and Eastern provinces. In 2024, 277,315 hectares were cultivated during the Yala and Maha seasons, yielding 1.1 million metric tons of paddy. However, resource mismanagement and inefficient distribution policies by prior administrations have led to the current scarcity.
He detailed that the Maha season of 2024 produced approximately 706,000 metric tons of paddy from 277,000 hectares, while the Yala season yielded 403,097 metric tons. Despite adequate production figures, inefficiencies in distribution have left the market undersupplied with red rice.
Looking ahead, Samarasinghe provided reassurance about the 2025 Maha season, which has already seen 161,067 hectares cultivated, with an expected yield of 648,200 metric tons. “We anticipate no shortage in 2025,” he stated.
Criticizing previous policies, the Minister highlighted a pre-election initiative that distributed 20 kilograms of red rice per family without consideration for consumer preferences. “This indiscriminate distribution disrupted the market. By providing red rice to those who do not typically consume it, they inadvertently caused a shortage for those who rely on it,” he explained.
Efforts are now focused on rectifying the situation. “We have conducted extensive surveys in paddy-growing areas, mills, and warehouses to gain better insights into supply chain issues and prevent future shortages,” Samarasinghe concluded.
