President Anura Dissanayake dismissed allegations that large-scale mill owners are hoarding paddy stocks, calling them blatant lies. Speaking on Sirasa TV, he stated that inspections of mills showed no evidence of concealed paddy or rice reserves.
The President highlighted discrepancies in government data on the country’s annual rice requirements and paddy production, which he said have contributed to challenges in rice imports this year.
He clarified that mill owners are systematically processing and releasing stocks seasonally, rather than engaging in hoarding. To address concerns, the President announced plans to maintain a maximum control price for rice and introduce a guaranteed price for paddy, ensuring that rice will not be sold above the regulated rate.
Mill owners, he said, will be instructed to purchase paddy at rates enabling them to adhere to the control price. Additionally, unregistered stockpiling of paddy will be strictly prohibited, with the government closely monitoring compliance.
The President warned that if mill owners fail to comply with the government’s rice management policies, the military would step in to release rice to the market through their mechanisms. He reiterated the government’s commitment to stabilizing rice prices and ensuring fair practices in the industry.
