The All Ceylon Small and Medium Scale Mill Owners Association has cautioned about an imminent rice shortage if the government does not take steps to import rice within the next two weeks.
Association President U. K. Semasinghe stressed the importance of both short- and long-term measures to address the situation. He urged the government to implement a systematic plan through the Paddy Marketing Board during the Yala season to prevent such crises in the future.
“In the immediate term, importing rice is crucial to alleviate the current shortage,” he stated, while also advocating for stricter regulations on rice used in beer production and animal feed due to its impact on food security.
Former Director of Agriculture K. B. Gunaratne supported these concerns, suggesting that farmers replant flood-damaged paddy fields instead of solely relying on compensation.
The Association emphasized that a lack of action could worsen the food crisis, impacting the availability and affordability of rice for the population.
