The Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association has announced that the first shipment of imported rice will arrive in Sri Lanka next week.
A spokesperson from the association confirmed that several importers have already placed orders for rice stocks following the government’s directive to import rice. These shipments have been ordered from India and Pakistan and are expected to reach the country within the coming week.
This development comes after the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal on December 3 to temporarily lift import control permits for rice until December 20, 2024. The decision was made to address the shortage of several rice varieties in local markets and the recent damage to paddy cultivation caused by adverse weather conditions.
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa explained that the measure was necessary to ensure sufficient rice supplies, particularly of Nadu and other varieties, and to stabilize prices. Importers can now bring rice into the country without needing import control permits until the stipulated deadline.
The imported rice is expected to help alleviate the current shortages and provide relief to consumers during this challenging period.
