Sri Lanka Customs has announced that 3,500 metric tons of ‘Ponni Samba’ rice have been imported into the country to address the prevailing shortage of ‘Keeri Samba’ rice in the domestic market.
The first consignment arrived in Sri Lanka on October 23, while additional shipments were received on Friday and Saturday, Customs officials confirmed.
The government decided to import GR-11 grade ‘Ponni Samba’ rice following Cabinet approval granted on October 15. Importers were also exempted from the requirement to obtain import control licenses in order to expedite the process.
Based on the recommendations of the Food Policy and Security Committee, each importer has been allowed to bring in a maximum of 520 metric tons of rice.
Authorities said the move aims to stabilize rice supply and prevent further price increases in the local market.
