Private sector rice imports authorization extended

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to extend the authorization of rice imports by the private sector until January 10, 2025.

This was communicated by the Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa during the Cabinet press conference held today (24).

However, the Minister noted that it has been observed the rice shortage in local markets will last until the end of January, 2025.

Accordingly, the proposal made by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development to extend the period of permission granted to private sector importers to import rice without the requirement of import control licenses until 2025.01.10 has been approved by the Cabinet.

Due to the shortage of rice in the domestic market, the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation is currently in the process of procuring 70,000 metric tons of rice as per the approval given at the Cabinet meeting held on 09 December 2024.

Also, permission was previously granted to private sector importers to import rice without the requirement of import control licenses until 20 December 2024.