Sri Lanka’s Food Security Committee has recommended the import of rice to address possible shortages and ensure availability for vulnerable populations.
This recommendation follows market observations of rising rice prices and signs of declining supply.
During a recent Cabinet discussion, attention was drawn to the need to authorize rice imports to stabilize the market and prevent further shortages, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
The proposal was made at a meeting held on April 1 at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff. Participants included officials from the ministries of Agriculture, Trade, Food Security, and related sectors.
The committee emphasized the need for contingency measures, including importing broken rice and allowing emergency stocks to be released if necessary. It also noted that unregulated rice hoarding by some traders has worsened the shortage.
The committee has approved the formation of a subcommittee, led by the Agriculture Secretary, to assess national rice stocks and oversee the import process as needed. (Newswire)