The first shipment of imported rice is set to arrive in Sri Lanka next week amid a shortage of several rice varieties. According to a spokesperson for a traders’ association, Importers have placed orders for rice stocks from India and other countries.

    Last week, the Cabinet approved a temporary waiver on import control permits for rice until 20th December. Meanwhile, local rice stocks are being distributed at controlled prices under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s directive. President Dissanayake had met small and medium-scale rice mill owners to discuss a continuous and affordable supply of rice to consumers in the coming months. Rice mill owners have assured to supply rice to markets at these regulated prices from today.

    The NPP government had to reverse its pre-election stance as the island now imports 70,000 metric tonnes of Nadu rice amid rice shortage. Mill owners and farmers have expressed concern that Nadu paddy had been diverted to make raw rice for brewing limiting the available supply. In addition, adverse weather due to Cyclone Bengal has also been blamed for the destruction of crops. In recent weeks, rice prices have risen sharply in local markets leading to worries on rice stocks.