Sri Lanka Imports 3,500 Metric Tons of ‘Ponni Samba’ Rice to Address Shortage

Sri Lanka has imported a total of 3,500 metric tons of ‘Ponni Samba’ rice to address the ongoing shortage of ‘Keeri Samba’ rice in the local market. This decision was confirmed by Sri Lanka Customs, and the first consignment of the imported rice arrived on October 23. Additional shipments of ‘Ponni Samba’ rice followed on Friday and Saturday.

The Cabinet of Ministers had previously approved the importation of GR-11 grade ‘Ponni Samba’ rice starting October 15 to counter the rice deficit. To facilitate this, the government also exempted importers from needing import control licenses.

Based on recommendations from the Food Policy and Security Committee, each importer has been permitted to bring in up to a maximum of 520 metric tons of rice.