Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne has urged farmers to supply a significant portion of their harvest to the Paddy Marketing Board to address the ongoing rice shortage. Speaking during an inspection tour of the Dambulla Economic Center, he stressed that the rice mafia, controlled by large rice mill owners, can only be dismantled if farmers take action.
He emphasized that farmers' contributions will help stabilize the rice market and ensure fair prices. Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena also reassured the public that measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of the shortage, including a new database system to manage paddy distribution through Sathosa-owned mills to rural women’s organizations.
The ministers engaged with farmers and traders to improve collaboration and enhance the supply chain.
