The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended importing rice to ensure a steady supply for consumers, as market prices rise and shortages persist despite the ongoing harvest season.

Chaired by Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Trade Vasantha Samarasinghe, the committee convened at the Presidential Secretariat, citing excessive rainfall and crop damage as key reasons for the reduced harvest.

During the meeting, officials noted that the use of rice for animal feed also contributed to the shortage, and the committee approved importing broken rice for livestock under the supervision of a team led by the Director General of Agriculture.