Government and Private Sector to Import Rice Substitute

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the importation of 40,000 metric tons of rice substitutes to address the shortage of Keeri Samba rice in Sri Lanka.

Of this total, 5,000 metric tons will be imported by government institutions, while the remaining quantity will be handled by the private sector.

This recommendation was made in response to concerns raised by the Consumer Affairs Authority regarding the insufficient domestic stock of Keeri Samba rice.

The committee convened yesterday (25) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the issue.

It was also decided to continue the ongoing procurement process of Keeri Samba rice from local farmers at a rate of Rs. 120 per kilogram through the Paddy Marketing Board and Sathosa.

In addition to rice imports, the committee discussed strategies to meet consumer demand through increased production of red onions, canned fish, eggs, and meat, as well as the importation of salt.