• Pvt. sector imports reached 4,800 tonnes yesterday

The Sri Lanka Customs announced that while the rice stocks imported by the Government are yet to arrive in the country, 4,800 metric tonnes (MT) of rice had been imported into the country by the private sector by yesterday (16).

Addressing a media briefing yesterday, Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director of Customs, Seewali Arukgoda stated that this stock includes 3,000 MT of parboiled rice and 1,800 MT of samba rice. He explained that these imports were brought into the country to help meet the local demand.  

However, he revealed that a part of the imported rice stock had been found to be unsuitable for consumption. "Some of these rice stocks cannot be used as they are not fit for human consumption. Therefore, arrangements have been made to return them," Arukgoda said. He explained that three containers of rice were marked for returning. Of these, two containers contained rice infested with pests, while the other container held 25 MT of rice that had expired. "Two containers of rice were found to contain pests, which make the rice unsafe. The third container had expired rice, which cannot be used," he said.  

Arukgoda also addressed concerns about the rice stocks imported by the Government. He clarified that these rice shipments have not yet reached the country. He stressed the urgency of the situation and said: “The rice imports by the Government must arrive in the country before 20 December.” He further noted that importing rice in a timely manner is necessary to meet the needs of the local market and prevent shortages. He stated that the authorities are expected to closely monitor future rice imports to ensure that they meet the required quality standards. 

Earlier this month, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant permission to import rice into the country without obtaining import control permits up until 20 December, with immediate effect. Meanwhile, rice stocks are being distributed at controlled prices, as per an order issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.