The Cabinet has approved the temporary import of up to 520 metric tonnes of Ponni Samba rice per importer without permits, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The decision comes amid a shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the local market, with vendors reportedly selling it above the government’s control price. Ponni Samba GR 11, considered a close substitute, will be allowed for import to stabilize supply, the Minister said.
Minister Jayatissa noted that Sri Lanka consumes approximately 2.46 million metric tonnes of rice annually, with Keeri Samba accounting for about 10% of that total—around 246,000 metric tonnes.
Importation of Ponni Samba rice will be permitted from October 15 to November 15, 2025.
Responding to concerns that the import should be allowed much earlier, the Minister said that the decision was reached based on the harvesting patterns and market factors. (Newswire)
