Sri Lanka Govt. Braces For Possible Rice Shortage By Year End
Sri Lanka’s Commerce Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe warned that the government may import 40,000 t of rice to counter any artificial shortage of Keeri Samba rice by large mill owners. He said no substitute imports are planned during harvesting but action will follow if manipulation continues. He also criticized unauthorized tank renovations.
Minister of Commerce and Trade, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said the government plans to import 40,000 metric tons of rice to address any possible rice shortage created by large-scale rice mill owners.
The Minister told the media after the Anuradhapura District Development Council Meeting on Thursday (14) that he had received information regarding an attempt to create a shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the market.
“A shortage of only Keeri Samba rice is experienced in the market at present. The government has focused attention on resolving it to prevent any inconvenience to consumers. No steps have yet been taken to import a substitute for Keeri Samba rice, given the ongoing harvesting season. However, the government will be compelled to decide on the import of rice in case the large-scale rice mill owners attempt to create a shortage of Keeri Samba rice.”
“The government is implementing a well-advised development plan. Meanwhile, a parliamentarian in the Mihintale area has launched a project to renovate a tank without the knowledge of the relevant authorities. He has shared his photos on Facebook. The Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee is not aware of it. People are questioning who permitted an opposition parliamentarian to renovate a tank.
They suspect the possibility of treasure hunting,” the minister further said
Parliamentarians Prof. Sena Nanayakkara, Nimal Palihena, Susantha Kumara Nawarathna, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya and several senior officials were present at the occasion.
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Source : Daily Mirror
