Testing delay hinders Basmati rice imports from Pakistan

4 January 2024 08:11 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Jan 4 (Daily Mirror) - Delays in local testing by Sri Lankan authorities hinder the utilization of the total quota of Bamsati rice imports from Pakistan allocated under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, Daily Mirror learns.

Daily Mirror learns that the Pakistani authorities express dissatisfaction with the delay caused by Sri Lankan testing procedures, arguing that the rice is already accompanied by certifications from three different bodies, including the certificate of origin.

This has led to a perception gap, with Sri Lankan authorities insisting on their testing protocols, while their Pakistani counterparts view it as redundant.

According to the terms of the FTA, Sri Lanka is allowed to import 6000 tonnes of Basmati rice.

However, the actual import figures paint a different picture, with only around 300 tonnes making their way into the country over the past several years due to clearance delays.

Insiders familiar with the process disclose that shipping containers often face months-long delays, exacerbating the strain on the trade relationship between the two countries.

When contacted by Daily Mirror, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando admitted the existence of such a problem. He said there is delay on the part of the Batalagoda Rice Research and Development Centre (BRRDC).

The Minister added that action would be taken to leave out the (BRRDC) from the process and clear imported stocks subject to approval by the Sri Lankan health authorities.

The Pakistani High Commissions in Colombo could not be reached for any comment in this regard.

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Comments - 14

ravin Thursday, 04 January 2024 08:47 AM

Ha haa First of all BASMAYJI RICE is not an essential item. And he goes to town now onwards. By pass the testing/ prevention process so may get a higher underhand dealings. Honestly speaking are these politic asses really care about the country and its industries?

No Sense of Urgency Thursday, 04 January 2024 11:14 AM

They have no sense of urgency. Like most Sri Lanka’s, no motivation unless incentives are included. Terrible family

Ganesh Thursday, 04 January 2024 09:18 AM

Who spends for Basmati Rice and the cost? Looks like commission has not been paid. Sure being a bankrupt country supplier is not going to spend his time in it would send the cheapest left overs. Same with the Research Development Centre service who the most be feeling as don’t care volunteers. Surely even the Embassy is not going to waste time discussing about months left garbage. End of the day it’s now the upper class tax payers who are going to enjoy it.

Lionel Thursday, 04 January 2024 10:18 AM

A number of aspects here; of course there is a free trade agreement and hence Pakistan haw to import SL goods in return. Secondly, is basmati for a common man in SL? What about local Nadu etc. What percentage of SL people can afford basmati, if SL does not have taxpayers as there are no high income earners as they say in SL? Isn't that what SL people saying (have no money)? Poverty is well displayed in five star hotels, lavish weddings and high-end restaurants. Thirdly, clearing goods in SL is a nightmare, be it boxes sent by expatriates or importers. This country is a mess.

Roshanaly Thursday, 04 January 2024 10:26 AM

Influence to delay by other rice suppliers.

Sokrates Thursday, 04 January 2024 11:14 AM

I eat rice at most once a week and then it's basmati, as you can't eat the rice produced in Sri Lanka. I would only use SL rice as livestock feed.

Sadly the poor of the public happy to eat the livestock feed Thursday, 04 January 2024 07:46 PM

With how the crooks in parliament run the country, the public have the wool pulled over their eyes to be pleased to be eating animal feed. The crooks in parliament of course eat better than that, while encouraging the poor public to eat garbage saying how good the local grown poor quality foods are.

D Thursday, 04 January 2024 11:42 AM

Kiri samba demons power. Both will be cost same.

HORRIFIRED CITIZEN Thursday, 04 January 2024 11:52 AM

Looks FISHY, what is the percentage of Citizens that could afford and or purchasing BASMATHI GANESH, SPOT ON. IT APPEARS SOME FISH IN THE SCROLL ARE STILL ACTIVE. I DOUBT EVEN THE MIDDLE CLASS EAT BASMATHI RICE, END RESULT THIS SHIPMENT WILL GO TO THE RICH AND THE POOR WILL CONTINUE TO BE SHORT OF THEIR BASIC STAPLE NEEDS. ANOTHER EYE OPENER FOR THE POOR MASSES TO MAKE NOT WHEN THEY GO TO THE VOTING BOOTHS.

Consumers at the mercy of monopolizers Thursday, 04 January 2024 01:19 PM

There is a rice Mafia, left over from previous rulers. Even now they are controlling rice market and the price. Does anyone think that this Mafia will want the market gutted with Basmati? Those who will be affected will naturally try to delay new rice coming into the market - whether it is lab test, custom clearance or transport. Monopoly holders are fully entrenched in the nation. Will they let go of their power easily? Basmati suppliers has big demand in the Middle East.

Mafia wants the rice only good for animals provided to our public Thursday, 04 January 2024 07:44 PM

The rice producing crooks and mill mafia want to encourage sub-standard product to feed the poor. They don't want cheaper, better quality imports to show what a useless high import tariff country we have.

Terrence K Thursday, 04 January 2024 02:12 PM

@Sokrates whilst Basmati rice maybe the best for a BRAGGER like you we citizens would cherish the local rice produced by the Country, but bear in mind we do not entertain nasty comments that the local rice is only good for livestock who may in turn may say that there is no choice for Bulls who keep on mooing wanting for grass and poonac.

Eating product out of nationalistic or racist thinking is silly Thursday, 04 January 2024 07:42 PM

I look forward to imported rice, which will no doubt be better than the too high priced, pesticide full rice varieties grown here. You can cherish suffering as much as you want but all sensible youth look forward to leaving a country run by crooks, and supported old cronies like yourself.

Navi Thursday, 04 January 2024 05:17 PM

Drawer was left opened but nothing fell in there. This is the efficiency of the State service. Nothing moves without oil.

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Testing delay hinders Basmati rice imports from Pakistan

Comments - 14

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