Customs clears 75,000 MT of imported rice

Shortage likely to end, officials express hope   

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The long-standing rice shortage in Sri Lanka is expected to ease, with the arrival of substantial quantities of imported rice set to be distributed across the country.  

The Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation (STC) announced that the first consignment of rice ordered by the government arrived in the country during the weekend.  

According to the, STC Chairman Ravindra Fernando, 780 metric tons of rice from this consignment will be distributed through Sathosa outlets.  

Meanwhile, private importers have been given a limited window to import rice, with the government allowing imports only until January 3, 2025.   

Strict penalties will be imposed on those failing to comply with this deadline, officials warned.  

Adding to the supply, 75,000 metric tons of imported rice has been cleared through customs.   

As such, Customs Media Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda stated that the shipment includes 32,000 metric tons of raw rice and 43,000 metric tons of Nadu rice.  

The imports are part of a short-term solution approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to address current market shortages. Under the plan, the government authorized the importation of 70,000 metric tons of rice to stabilize supply and control prices.