Despite a nationwide shortage of rice, the government has not imported a single grain of the staple as of the afternoon of December 26, according to customs sources.
Efforts by the State Commercial Miscellaneous Corporation and Sathosa to secure rice imports have reportedly faced significant challenges. Sources indicate that Sathosa’s two tenders for rice imports have encountered issues, leaving the government unable to address the shortfall effectively.
Meanwhile, the private sector has stepped in, importing 67,000 metric tons of rice on December 25. This included 28,500 metric tons of raw rice and 38,500 metric tons of nadu rice.
To mitigate the situation, the deadline for importing rice has been extended until January 10, providing additional time for both the government and private entities to bring in more supplies.
The delay in government imports has raised concerns among consumers and stakeholders, as rice remains a vital commodity in Sri Lankan households. Many are now questioning the government’s preparedness and efficiency in addressing the ongoing shortage.
