Rice imports a necessary temporary measure – Minister

To manage the rice shortage in our country, we have taken steps to import rice. We will not continue importing rice in this manner, and we will ensure that such shortages do not occur in the future, Trade and Commerce Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated.

Speaking further at a press conference, he said, “It will take another month and a half for our paddy to be harvested, and about another month for the rice to reach the market. Due to insufficient rice for consumption during this period, we had to import rice in appropriate quantities to bridge the gap. We believe that this rice shortage will be alleviated within the next two or three days.

“We will not engage in further rice imports. Our aim is to create a situation where people can access rice in the market without any inconvenience. Furthermore, we will not allow such shortages to occur again.”

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs reported that 440 metric tons of imported rice arrived in the country by yesterday morning. They also mentioned that all initially imported rice should arrive by December 20.

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