President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has confirmed that the controlled price of rice will not be adjusted. He also announced plans for a long-term, organized agricultural strategy aimed at benefiting farmers more effectively.
These remarks were made during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today (22th October), which included rice millers and officials from the Department of Agriculture, according to the President's Media Division (PMD). The discussion focused on the current consumer goods prices, with special attention to rice, a key staple for Sri Lankans.
President meets Rice Millers and officials from the Department of Agriculture
President Dissanayake reminded rice millers that they had already purchased paddy at a controlled price, making it unjust to alter the price of rice at this time, as reported by the PMD.
He emphasized the importance of implementing a structured system to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their rice while keeping it affordable for consumers.
He also pointed out that the recent price instability in rice is due to the lack of proper enforcement of controlled pricing over the long term. Additionally, the President addressed the issue of stockpiling, instructing agriculture officials to register those involved in hoarding.
Prominent businessmen from the Rice Mill Owners’ Association, including Dudley Sirisena, Nipuna Gamlath, Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Jayasiri Gunathilaka, and Menaka Gamlath, as well as officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, were in attendance at the meeting.
