Sri Lanka Customs has announced that rice imports into the country will not be allowed until the relevant Gazette notification is issued, despite the government extending the rice import period until January 10, 2025.
The private sector’s allocated rice import period ended on December 20, during which 67,000 metric tons of rice were brought into the country. However, Customs clarified that no further imports can be processed or released to the market without the Gazette notification, even with government directives.
Meanwhile, a government-imported shipment of 52,000 metric tons of rice is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Government Sources suggest the Gazette may be issued following today’s (December 23) Cabinet meeting.
