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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I present the reply to the Question raised under Standing Order 27(2) by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake on 10 April 2025.

¶ 02 This is a detailed three-page document. If needed, I can read it; given time constraints, I will table it. If you have any clarifications, please ask; otherwise, I will table the answer.

¶ 03 Answer tabled:

¶ 04 1. According to the Department of Agriculture’s Crop Forecast (April 2025), the paddy harvest for Maha 2024/25 is projected at 2.6 million metric tons, yielding about 1.6 million metric tons of rice. Of this, about 200,000 metric tons will go to animal feed and around 90,000 metric tons to other industries. With about two million tourists and exports to Sri Lankans abroad, additional rice demand arises. Samba/Keeri Samba area increased, Nadu reduced; Maha 2024/25 harvest is expected to be 5.7% lower than 2023/24. District-wise sown extents are as set out.

¶ 05 2. As per Sri Lanka Customs, from 01.01.2025 to 31.03.2025, 103,409.8 MT of rice valued at Rs. 16,107.14 million were imported. Private imports are distributed via wholesale and retail networks; hence, practical monitoring of exact sales, stocks and holding levels is difficult.

¶ 06 3. Department of Census and Statistics shows per capita rice consumption was 104 kg in 2019; later data are being compiled.

¶ 07 4. Discussions with the Agriculture Ministry, HARTI, Consumer Affairs Authority, Paddy Marketing Board and others reveal that with sown area and varieties in Maha 2024/25, and matters in item 1, there may be scarcity of Samba/Keeri types, especially by end-April, observed in the market.

¶ 08 5. Large millers have purchased significant paddy via intermediaries. CAA reports suggest not heavy hoarding by large millers, but intermediaries’ influence may distort the market. CAA monitored daily paddy stocks and rice releases up to the New Year period.

¶ 09 6. To address potential shortages, on 01.04.2025, the Food Policy and Security Committee discussed permitting private rice imports; steps have been taken, and further monitoring continues.

¶ 10 7. Government procured Maha 2024/25 paddy at the guaranteed price. However, private buyers paid above the guaranteed price; upon milling, higher rice prices may result. CAA inspections show milled rice costs ranging Rs. 250–350 per kg, depending on paddy cost. To prevent high-priced paddy stocks entering as high-priced rice via middlemen, selective short-term rice imports under Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) can stabilize the market.

¶ 11 8. The Ministry provides fertilizer subsidies and other facilities; to ensure fair price to farmers, the guaranteed purchase prices for Maha 2024/25 were:

¶ 12 Minimum Guaranteed Prices per kg (14% moisture / 22% moisture): - Nadu: Rs. 120.00 / Rs. 102.00 - Samba: Rs. 125.00 / Rs. 105.00 - Keeri Samba: Rs. 132.00 / Rs. 102.00

¶ 13 Further, Extraordinary Gazette No. 2414/02 of 09.12.2025 set Maximum Wholesale and Retail Prices: - Kakulu (Red/White): Wholesale 215.00 / Retail 220.00 - Nadu: Wholesale 225.00 / Retail 230.00 - Samba: Wholesale 235.00 / Retail 240.00 - Keeri Samba: Wholesale 255.00 / Retail 260.00