Queues back, people jostle for rice purchases

By Sanath Gamage

The step taken by the Ambalantota Trader Association in the Hambantota District to distribute red rice at the control price of Rs.220 a kilo triggered a long queue and a huge rush in the town.

The Trader Association issued five kilos of rice to each consumer for the controlled price. However, when the stocks were over, hundreds of consumers left in disappointment.

Consumers said at present a severe shortage of rice is experienced in the area and that the price of red rice has shot up to Rs.265 per kilo.

Secretary of Trader Association Asela Marasinghe said steps were taken to supply red rice at the controlled price with the help of a rice mill owner in the area.