The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana — Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security

¶ 01 Answer tabled:

¶ 02 (a) (i) According to Sri Lanka Customs, from 18.11.2024 to 13.11.2025 the quantity of rice imported is 263,878 metric tonnes. (ii) HS descriptions include: - 1006.30.11 — Basmati (as defined by the Department of Agriculture) - 1006.30.19 — Other (raw) - 1006.30.21 — Basmati (as defined by the Department of Agriculture) - 1006.30.29 — Other (iii) Taxes per kg as per the applicable regime (CID/ICL, VAT, PAL, CESS/SSCL/SCL) are as set out in the tabled answer. (iv) As per the Department of Trade and Tariff, from 25.11.2024 to 31.10.2025, Special Commodity Levy revenue on imports under HS 1006.30.19 and 1006.30.29 is Rs. 14,686 million. (v) Price ceilings (Gazette No. 2459/12 of 21.10.2025): - Kekulu — Rs. 210.00 per kg - Nadu — Rs. 220.00 per kg - Samba — Rs. 230.00 per kg - Ponni/Samba-Kiri/Paal-Ponni — Rs. 240.00–255.00 per kg (as specified)

¶ 03 (b) (i) Not expected at present; however, there is no barrier to importing specialized types such as Basmati. (ii) Since imports are considered only when there is a market shortfall, there is no adverse impact on local paddy farmers. (iii) As indicated by the Ministry of Agriculture: - Continue and strengthen ongoing programmes with innovation. - In addition to promoting high-yielding varieties already introduced, conduct research to develop new high grain-quality varieties (e.g., Basmati-type and Kiri Samba-type) as substitutes for imported specialty rice; generate required new technologies. - Sustain certified seed systems by supplying breeder/foundation seeds and ensuring seed quality. - Introduce methods to increase fertilizer-use efficiency; promote next‑generation fertilizers; conduct soil testing and site‑specific fertilizer application to raise yields. - Promote mechanization to address labour shortages and improve land-use efficiency. - Introduce and popularize new technologies, including drone technology, to attract youth to paddy cultivation. - Reduce input costs through improved pest/disease control, efficient water management, and effective weed/seedling control.

¶ 04 Paddy Production Cluster Programme aligned with the national “Dawn for Revival” agricultural programme (from 2025/26 Maha) aims to increase productivity to 4.8 MT/ha. In 2025/26 Maha, 500 clusters of 500 acres each will be selected, implementing a consolidated technical package; clusters will be expanded each season to reach 5,000 clusters covering 100,000 ha by 2028, targeting 7.0 MT/ha. Annexures, including cluster plans and expected production projections, have been placed in the Library.

¶ 05 (c) Not applicable.