Sri Lanka Customs Resumes Clearance of Imported Rice

To address the ongoing rice shortage in the country, the government had allowed private-sector rice importers to bring in rice between December 4 and 20. During this period, a total of 67,000 metric tons of rice were imported.

Following a Cabinet decision, the rice import deadline has been extended until January 10, 2025, with the relevant Gazette notification issued on December 24. As a result, Sri Lanka Customs has resumed the clearance process of the imported rice starting today.

In related developments, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Namal Karunaratne, announced that the first shipment of 780 metric tons of rice, imported by the government through the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation, was expected to arrive at the Colombo Port yesterday, December 25.

The government's measures aim to stabilize the rice supply in the country and address the concerns of consumers affected by the shortage.