Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera, has confirmed that the Sri Lankan government is actively engaged in efforts to meet the nation's rice demand domestically, eliminating the necessity for rice imports.
In a recent statement, Amaraweera asserted that the ongoing initiatives are geared towards not only fulfilling local requirements but also generating surplus rice for potential export to foreign markets.
The Minister emphasized the shift from the previous year, stating that in 2022, one-third of the country's rice needs were met through imports. However, he highlighted the current success in achieving self-sufficiency, with the country producing the required quantity of rice domestically.
Expressing confidence in the nation's rice production capabilities, Amaraweera disclosed that he has directed relevant authorities to focus on surpassing the domestic demand, creating opportunities for Sri Lanka to become a net exporter of rice to international markets.
