The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe

¶ 01 Alright, I will conclude.

¶ 02 5. To prevent future shortages, the immediate measure is allowing rice importation. By the 20th, those imports should arrive. As of today, over 7,000 metric tons have entered the country. With those imports and our own, over 100,000 metric tons will come into the country. If that is insufficient, we will revisit the decision. This evening we have again convened importers to discuss volumes. We will take all possible measures to prevent domestic shortages.

¶ 03 6. For price control going forward, as a Government we are moving to a policy and program to control rice prices. The cooperative movement, the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, and Sathosa will intervene to commence paddy purchasing. We have storage capacity for 520,000 metric tons; usable capacity is about 360,000 metric tons. We have already inspected these stores. With dryers and at 14 percent moisture, paddy must be stored; otherwise it will be ruined. All this is being planned.

¶ 04 Going forward, the Government will intervene so that shortages do not occur, and to control prices so people can purchase without difficulty. We are working towards that. Thank you for your questions, Hon. Member.

¶ 05 And it being past 5.30 p.m., THE HON. PRESIDING MEMBER adjourned Parliament without Question put.

¶ 06 Parliament adjourned accordingly at 6.17 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 07th January, 2025, pursuant to Resolution of Parliament of this Day.