Sri Lanka faces no food shortage: Govt.

The government today said the country is not facing any food shortages at present and the reduced access to essential commodities are due to traders hoarding stocks.

"Certain local and foreign media are carrying out media stories that there is a food shortage in the country. There is no basis to these reports,” the Director, Department of Information said in a statement to the media earlier today.

He pointed out that the aim of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa imposing emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance on the supply of essential goods was to seize hoarded stocks and handover the same to state entities for distribution at reasonable prices.

The statement highlighted that the military is overseeing the action which gives power to officials to ensure essential items such as paddy, rice, and sugar are sold at government-mandated prices.