Sri Lanka’s largest state owned retail chain store is now selling raw rice below the Maximum Retail Prices (MRP), on a new directive by the government and also plans mobile rice sales units in populated street locations around the country, said the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Thursday.

“As the government owned retail store system, Lanka Sathosa can serve Lankan consumers better by giving the best price in the market. I am pleased that Lanka Sathosa under my Ministry is able to serve the decision of Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of Living, by starting to sell rice even below set MRPs” Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said. 

As per the Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of Living’s decision of 28 February, Lanka Sathosa from March 01 has started selling both white and red locally milled raw rice (Kekulu) at a maximum store price of Rs 76 per kilo(and in certain locations at Rs 75). The gazetted MRP of the same locally milled rice however stands at Rs 78 per kilo.

“Lanka Sathosa also has large rice stocks and all outlets are selling rice to consumers without any limits. From March 01 any amount of rice can be bought by consumers from all Lanka Sathosa outlets. Very soon, Lanka Sathosa shall start operating mobile sales units in lorries, placed at well populated street locations around the country, for bigger and better direct sales” Bathiudeen added.