The All Ceylon Small and Medium Scale Mill Owners Association has issued a stark warning of a severe rice shortage in Sri Lanka if the government does not initiate immediate rice imports within the next two weeks. Association President U. K. Semasinghe emphasized the urgency of both short-term and long-term measures to prevent a potential crisis that could disrupt the nation’s food supply.
Semasinghe stressed the importance of a systematic approach involving the Paddy Marketing Board to secure paddy stocks during the Yala season. He also highlighted the need for government regulation of rice used in beer production and animal feed to stabilize market supply.
“If the government fails to act swiftly by importing rice, we are on the verge of a severe shortage,” Semasinghe warned, urging authorities to prioritize the issue.
In addition, former Director of Agriculture K. B. Gunaratne suggested that instead of offering compensation for flood-damaged paddy fields, the government should focus on replanting efforts to ensure a stable future harvest.
