Govt. to import 40,000 MTs of substitute rice

Colombo, June 26 (Daily Mirror) - The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the import of 40,000 metric tonnes of substitute rice for Keeri Samba.

The recommendation has been given based on the disclosure from the Sri Lanka Consumer Affairs Authority regarding the insufficient availability of Keeri Samba rice in the local market, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

It was decided to import 5,000 metric tonnes by government institutions, while the remainder will be brought in by the private sector.

This decision was reached during a meeting of the Committee held at the Presidential Secretariat to take policy decisions ensuring the country's food security.

A decision was also made to continue purchasing Keeri Samba paddy at a price of Rs. 120 per kilogram through the Paddy Marketing Board and Sathosa in order to safeguard local farmers.