120,000kg of ‘Keeri Samba Paddy’ Raises Questions as PMB Invites Bids Despite Earlier Claims of Empty Warehouses
A fresh controversy has erupted over 119,690 kilograms of Keeri Samba Paddy allegedly stored at the Paragahakele Warehouse in the Ampara District, following a newspaper advertisement placed by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB). According to the ad, this substantial stock—reportedly procured during the 2024 Yala season—is now available for sale to registered paddy mill owners. The PMB’s Department Procurement Committee has stated that interested buyers may obtain bid documents from the 7th to the 21st, and that the final decision on releasing the paddy ultimately rests with the Board.
What makes the situation particularly puzzling is that official statements made earlier suggested that no paddy remained in PMB warehouses. This apparent contradiction has sparked public concern, with observers questioning the transparency of warehouse inventories and accurate record-keeping. Some officials had previously claimed that all available paddy stocks were either sold off or not in storage, while others now indicate that nearly 120,000kg are up for grabs.
Adding to the confusion is the timing of the PMB’s announcement—coming at a juncture when local rice prices and availability are key concerns for consumers and millers alike. Critics argue that the sudden revelation of such a large quantity of Keeri Samba raises serious doubts about oversight and management practices within the Board. They also point out that if the paddy was indeed stored all along, its prolonged inaccessibility may have impacted the market or contributed to potential shortages elsewhere.
Neither the PMB nor the Ministry of Agriculture has offered a formal explanation for the discrepancy. At present, potential buyers remain unsure whether the newly advertised stocks will be released without further delay or investigation. Meanwhile, the public and industry insiders alike await clarifications on how such a significant volume of high-quality paddy could remain ‘missing’ in official records yet still be available for sale.
