The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a joint proposal to allow the import of GR 11/Ponni Samba rice as a temporary measure to address the shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the local market.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka’s annual rice consumption is estimated at 2,460,000 metric tons, with Keeri Samba accounting for around 10% of total consumption, equivalent to 246,000 metric tons per year.
Due to the current scarcity of Keeri Samba and the resultant price increases beyond the control price, the Cabinet has granted approval to exempt importers from the requirement of obtaining import control licenses for the importation of GR 11/Ponni Samba rice.
The measure will be in effect from October 15, 2025, to November 15, 2025, and imports will be limited to a maximum of 520 metric tons per importer.
The decision was taken based on the recommendations of the Food Policies and Security Committee, following a joint proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation and the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development.
This temporary import arrangement is expected to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply of rice varieties similar to Keeri Samba for local consumers.
