Government ends Rice Import Circular, Focuses on Local Supply

Speaking during a visit to the Pannegamuwa Rice Mill in Lunugamvehera, the Deputy Minister inspected the mill’s operations and discussed plans for modernization and improved storage facilities.

He highlighted that the government is taking steps to address the rice shortage by purchasing rice directly from local farmers, reinforcing its commitment to supporting domestic agriculture and ensuring food security.

The period allowing the private sector to import rice ended at midnight on January 10. By the time the deadline passed, a total of 167,000 metric tons of rice had been imported into the country. This special approval, granted by the government on December 4, 2024, aimed to address the shortage of Nadu Rice and Raw Rice in the local market.

According to according to Additional Director General of Sri Lanka Customs and Media Spokesperson, Seevali Arukgoda the imported rice cleared by Sri Lanka Customs included 66,000 metric tons of Raw Rice and 101,000 metric tons of Nadu Rice respectively.