The government is under pressure to address the escalating rice crisis, as accusations mount against five large-scale mill owners allegedly orchestrating an artificial shortage to exploit market prices. Former Director of Agriculture K.B. Gunaratne has called for urgent government action to curb this apparent manipulation, which has led to a critical shortage of Nadu, white, and red raw rice varieties in the retail market.
The scarcity has resulted in a dramatic rise in rice prices, well above the government’s control price, leaving consumers struggling to afford this staple food. Despite the control price set by authorities, many buyers have reported difficulties in finding rice at these rates, with Nadu rice—one of the most consumed varieties—particularly scarce. This situation has fueled consumer discontent and criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis.
Rice producers in Marandagahamula have expressed that meeting the control price is becoming increasingly impractical, highlighting the difficulties millers face in the current market environment. Meanwhile, opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya has voiced concerns, accusing the government of allowing a “rice oligarchy” to dominate and manipulate the market due to a lack of adequate intervention.
Efforts by the Consumer Affairs Authority to manage the situation are also being questioned. According to Sanjay Irasingha, Director of Raids and Special Investigations, the agency lacks sufficient legal powers to carry out raids on large-scale traders or take action against those found to be hoarding or inflating prices. However, he noted that steps are being taken to amend the relevant legislation, which could empower the agency to crack down on such practices more effectively in the future.
In the meantime, the need for immediate solutions to stabilize the rice market remains pressing. Experts suggest that empowering the Consumer Affairs Authority, increasing transparency in the rice trade, and implementing stricter regulatory measures could help restore fair pricing and prevent further exploitation. The new government is expected to prioritize these reforms as part of its efforts to resolve the crisis and protect consumers from ongoing price manipulation.
