Rice producers are concerned over the reduction of the tax on imported rice.
Sri Lanka Rice Producers Association President Suraj Jayawickrema said that reducing the tax imposed on imported rice to 25 cents is a blow to small and medium scale paddy mill owners in continuing their industry. He said that if the price of rice is to be controlled what the government should do is establish price controls once again.
Jayawickrema said there were stocks of rice sufficient for the upcoming two or three months. He also mentioned that the government is not managing the cultivation seasons properly and is applying temporary plasters. He said further that people of this country have no need to consume rice brought from abroad and that they would be rejecting imported rice.
