The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I support Hon. Rohana Bandara’s private member’s motion. It is welcome for the Government to maintain an official rice reserve and storage.

¶ 02 Historically, the East has been called the granary of Sri Lanka. It is unacceptable that, despite this, we face shortages and import rice, with some profiting via commissions. If the Government maintains stocks, it can distribute rice at fair or guaranteed prices.

¶ 03 Even when we produce paddy, private hoarding and profiteering can harm the poor. Therefore, the Government must hold rice reserves to ensure equitable supply without shortages and at fair prices. Rice is the staple food; wastage and hoarding by a few should not deprive the many.

¶ 04 A progressive, equitable policy demands reliability—avoiding future shortages, preventing price spikes that burden the poor, and protecting quality in storage. Spoilage during storage must be prevented. In line with “Clean Sri Lanka,” storage systems must keep rice wholesome. Based on experience and lessons learned, I support this motion. Thank you.