• Authorities to decide whether 32,000 tonnes imported thus far sufficiently meets demand

The Government announced that a decision will be made regarding the extension of the deadline for importing rice into the country without obtaining import control permits, which expires from today (20) onwards, after observing whether the available rice stocks are sufficient to meet the market demand.  

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (19), Cabinet Spokesperson and Chief Government Whip Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that 22,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of imported rice had arrived in Sri Lanka by Wednesday (18), and that another stock of 10,000 MTs was expected to arrive yesterday. “If these stocks are insufficient to meet the market demand, we are ready to extend the deadlines. It will be done according to market requirements,” he added.  

Minister Dr. Jayatissa further clarified that rice imports continue under the State regulatory mechanism while ensuring the protection of domestic farmers. “That is why the Government, the State Trading (General) Corporation (STC), and the Sathosa are involved in this process. We will maintain this mechanism without any changes,” he said.  

He also emphasised that the control price imposed on rice has not been lifted, and that the related taxes remain unchanged. The control prices, he noted, were determined after discussions with all the importers and the other relevant stakeholders.  

Last week, the STC Chairperson Ravindra Fernando stated that the Government is prepared to import rice if any shortage occurs during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, after 15 January, due to a potential delay in receiving the expected domestic rice harvest next month (January 2025).  

Earlier this month, the Cabinet of Ministers granted permission to import rice into the country without obtaining import control permits, with immediate effect, until today. Meanwhile, rice stocks continue to be distributed at controlled prices, as per an order issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.