The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) As per the Cabinet decision dated 25.11.2024, approval was granted for importation of rice by Lanka Sathosa Ltd. and the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, and as per the Cabinet decision dated 02.12.2024, approval was also granted for the private sector to import rice.

¶ 03 Accordingly, following government procurement procedures, Sathosa and STC are proceeding with imports. The market was opened for imported rice on 04.12.2024. The first consignment’s Customs entries were submitted on 10.12.2024.

¶ 04 As at 13.12.2024, the private sector had cleared or was clearing 1,774 MT of kekulu (raw) rice and 3,065 MT of nadu rice. As of yesterday (the 17th), approximately 12,000 MT had been cleared under the opened tenders.

¶ 05 (ii) We have issued a Gazette specifying Maximum Retail Prices for imported rice: - Kekulu: Rs. 210 per kg - Nadu: Rs. 220 per kg - Samba: Rs. 230 per kg

¶ 06 The Gazette is tabled.

¶ 07 (iii) Yes. The Consumer Affairs Authority has data. We have a report covering 20 districts. As a summary, by 5 November 2024, approximately 300,000 MT of rice stocks were held across about 416 mills in 20 districts.

¶ 08 (iv) Considering the recent shortage and rising prices, imports were undertaken to ensure consumers can purchase rice at fair prices without shortages and to ensure food security.

¶ 09 Benefits of importing rice: - Enables consumers to buy without shortages at fair prices during scarcity; - With imports via Sathosa and STC under MRP through Sathosa, co-operatives, and supermarket chains, access at fair retail prices is ensured; - Allowing private sector imports for a limited time encourages competitive pricing and availability, helping reduce cost of living.

¶ 10 (b) Not applicable.