The Government has decided to import 70,000 metric tonnes of rice as a solution to the short-term rice shortage.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said that the rice will be imported through Sathosa and State Trading Corporation.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the import of a consignment of Swarna Nadu rice to Sri Lanka, he said.
Minister Samarasinghe was speaking at a press conference to inform the public about the decision taken by the government to quell the Nadu rice shortage in the market.
“Before December 15, we will start the process of providing rice to the market. Swarna nadu is the type of nadu suitable for consumption in our country.We have decided to import this type of Nadu.”
The Minister said that there will be no tax reduction when importing the rice stock. He added that the price of this rice does not rise above Rs.220.“Even if it is less than that, it cannot be increased. The shortest time we can provide rice is December 15.
He added that rice is imported subject to a limit of 70,000 metric tonnes of rice in the hope that the rice will be sold in the market by January 15.
“The paddy harvest comes around January 15. About three-fifths of the paddy harvest is given in the Maha Season. The price of rice should not be affected to the farmer. He said that there is a conspiracy behind this shortage of rice. “It is a conspiracy to raise the price. In addition, the government will not allow any more profit-seeking strategies and or any kind of conspiracy to oppress the consumer,”he said.
Minister Samarasinghe pointed out a report should be given to the government within two weeks about the stock of paddy and rice taken for the loans given, when giving loans from the government in future. He said that these reports should be submitted within two weeks regarding the stocks given to the government and the amount of rice stock in relation to the loans obtained should be mentioned in this report.
He added that actions would be taken against those who fail to submit such reports and they would not be issued loans by the government.
