Deputy Agriculture Minister Namal Karunaratne confirms Sri Lanka’s Kiri Samba rice imports are aimed at supporting the tourism and hotel sector, ensuring premium quality for visitors amid domestic supply gaps.
Kiri Samba Rice Imports Necessary for Sri Lanka’s Tourism and Hotel Industry, Says Namal Karunaratne
Sri Lanka is currently importing Kiri Samba rice to meet the specific demands of the tourism and hotel industries, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne. Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister explained that while there are no significant shortages of Nadu or Samba varieties, Kiri Samba presents challenges when catering to high-end hospitality requirements.
“When Kiri Samba is imported, it’s primarily because the hotel industry requires it,” Karunaratne stated, responding to questions from journalists. “We have no issue with Nadu or standard Samba rice. However, certain problems consistently arise with Kiri Samba especially when fulfilling the expectations of the tourism sector and premium hospitality venues.”
Highlighting a long-standing practice, Karunaratne emphasized that Sri Lanka has regularly imported limited quantities of rice specifically tailored for hotel and tourism consumption whenever supply disruptions occurred. “This is not a new development,” he clarified. “When demand spikes due to tourism, we act accordingly to maintain quality and service.”
The Deputy Minister reassured the public that these imports are not intended to undermine local farmers or saturate the domestic market but are rather a targeted solution to ensure the hospitality industry remains competitive and well-stocked during peak seasons.
His comments come amid growing scrutiny over Sri Lanka’s agricultural imports and the balance between supporting local farmers and satisfying international tourism standards. Karunaratne’s remarks aim to bridge that concern, confirming the government’s commitment to both local agriculture and tourism growth.
