President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Tuesday (23) reviewed preparations for purchasing paddy during the 2026 Yala cultivation season, with a focus on ensuring adequate funding and improving the management of state paddy stocks.
The discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of officials from the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture and other relevant institutions.
During the meeting, the President noted that paddy purchased during last year’s Yala season had not yet been released to the market in sufficient quantities and sought an update on measures being taken to clear existing stocks and free up storage capacity.
He instructed Finance Ministry officials to allocate the necessary funds for purchasing paddy during the current Yala season.
The meeting also reviewed the condition of paddy storage facilities at the district level. The President stressed the need to maintain an accurate data system on warehouse capacity and buffer stocks to prevent similar issues in the future.
He further emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate strategic paddy reserves, particularly in view of potential climate-related risks, noting that food security should receive special attention beyond routine administrative processes. (Newswire)