100,000 MT of Rice to be Imported
In order to control rising price of rice and shortage , Finance State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said, that 100,000 MT of rice will be imported to the country by January 16 and 17
He added that the process of registering rice importers will be completed by 4th January 2017.
After that suitable parties for rice importation will be selected. Then the selected parties can import rice under the direct supervision of the government. The decision on rice imports is jointly taken by a committee of Trade Ministry and the Committee appointed on the Cost of Living.
It is up to the joint committee to take measures on rice importation including calculate the volume of rice to be imported.
The State Minister added that of 800,000 acres of paddy lands, only 240,000 cares could be cultivated this season due to the drought and scarcity of water. This is the main reason for the price hike of rice.
