Paddy stocks remain unsold in government warehouses as fresh allegations emerge over tenders, political influence and failed disposal efforts.
Paddy stocks stored in government warehouses have reached alarming levels, with Chairman of the United Paddy Producers’ Association Mudith Perera alleging that poor planning and politically influenced decisions have left large quantities of paddy unsold. He also claimed that even attempts to dispose of the stocks for beer production have failed after brewing companies refused to accept them.
Perera further alleged that Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe attempted to facilitate the milling of paddy held by the Paddy Marketing Board in a manner intended to benefit a close associate for election-related activities.
He claimed that what he described as a rice mafia operating at ministerial level was even misleading the President.
According to Perera, the Paddy Marketing Board called for an unprecedented tender in October last year for paddy cutting, and the conditions attached to that tender had been specifically drafted to favour a mill owner closely associated with Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.
He further alleged that the same mill owner had previously maintained close links with Basil Rajapaksa and had also provided financial support for Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe’s recent election campaign.
Perera said he lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption regarding what he described as the irregular tender process. According to him, within four hours of filing the complaint, the government withdrew the relevant tender.
He also alleged that Kosala Wilbawa, whom he described as a university contemporary and close associate of Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, had signed documents connected with the transaction, which he claimed would have caused financial losses to the government.
Perera further stated that the absence of proper planning has now resulted in government warehouses being filled with paddy stocks that can no longer be sold.
He alleged that the government’s attempt to introduce a new rice brand under the name “Jathika Sathosa” and market rice at higher prices by misleading consumers had contributed to paddy remaining idle in warehouses.
According to Perera, subsequent attempts by the government to dispose of the accumulated paddy stocks for beer production or other commercial purposes also proved unsuccessful.
He revealed that discussions had been held with beer companies approximately two months ago regarding the purchase of the paddy stocks, but those companies had ultimately declined to accept them.
Perera made the allegations while participating in the “Balaya” programme broadcast on Hiru TV.
