The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a temporary measure to allow rice imports without permits to mitigate the ongoing rice shortage in Sri Lanka.
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced today that this decision will remain in effect until 20 December 2024.
The move comes in response to a severe shortage of rice varieties, including Nadu, caused by adverse weather conditions that have heavily impacted local rice farmers.
Despite the import relaxation, Minister Jayatissa stated that retail rice prices are unlikely to decrease. The government’s primary focus is to ensure an adequate supply of rice nationwide.
