Rice imports may be required to control rising black market prices and shortages of certain varieties, including Keeri Samba, The Commissioner-General of Essential Services B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said.
He made the remarks at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information on Thursday (26).
Responding to queries over reports that Samba and Keeri Samba rice are being sold above controlled prices, the Commissioner-General said the situation has become a serious concern.
He noted that in some areas, Keeri Samba and other rice varieties are either unavailable or only obtainable at black market prices.
He said the issue has been discussed by the Food Security Committee, especially given that the country is currently in the harvesting season.
“If the situation continues, steps may have to be taken to import rice to control black market prices,” Chandrakeerthi said. (NewsWire)