Government prepares to import rice immediately

June, 19, 2014

The Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade is preparing to import rice in the face of the increasing prices of rice in the local market.

Minister of Cooperatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando has decided to import 100 metric tons of rice immediately.

This imported rice is to be sold under government controlled prices through the Lanka Sathosa outlets at Rs. 77 per kilo of Samba, White Nadu at Rs. 68 per kilo and Red Raw Rice at Rs. 60 per kilo.

The Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade says that there is a trend of prices of rice in the local market increasing due to stocks being hoarded by the traders.