Rice import the only solution to bring down prices

The Trade Ministry insisted yesterday that the import of 100,000 tonnes of rice was the only solution to reduce prices in the local market, a Minister said.

Rice prices have shot up in the local market. The price of a kilo of (Samba) is as high as Rs.140.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane told Daily Mirror that he would seek Cabinet approval once again today to import a stock of rice. “Once we import, we can sell it at less than Rs.100 a kilo in the market. Then, we can prevail upon mill owners to lower their prices. That is the only solution,” he said. (KELUM BANDARA)