The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna

K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna stated that only 5,000 MT was authorized for import, despite an estimated 10,000 MT shortfall, to prevent a fall in farm-gate prices when the local harvest entered the market. He explained that import permissions were issued in two phases according to market conditions and noted that small-scale operators face financing and scale constraints, often sourcing from licensed bulk importers. He said allowing multiple micro-imports would require coordination with the Trade Ministry and undertook to discuss the matter with them.