Sri Lanka to Import Rice Amid Rising Prices and Shortages

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Food Policy and Safety Committee has recommended the importation of rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers.

This decision was made during the committee's fifth meeting, chaired by Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha and Trade, Commerce, Food Safety, and Cooperative Development Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe, held yesterday (1) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Despite the ongoing harvest season, the committee observed a rise in rice prices and a shortage of certain rice varieties in the market. 

The discussions focused on drawing the Cabinet's attention to the need for rice imports to maintain adequate stock levels.

The committee also revealed that the expected harvest had significantly decreased due to crop damage caused by heavy rains on two occasions this year. 

Additionally, the improper use of rice for animal feed has contributed to the shortage. To address this, the committee proposed importing broken rice for animal feed and exploring alternative feed options.

As a result, the committee approved the formation of a sub-committee, led by the Director-General of Agriculture, to oversee the proper importation of the required quantities of broken rice.