Cabinet nod for private sector to import 50,000MT of GR11 rice

The Cabinet of Ministers has green-lighted a resolution to allow the private sector to import 50,000 metric tons of GR11 rice, a variety similar to Keeri Samba.

The proposal was tabled by Minister of Trade, Commerce & Food Security and Nalin Fernando at the Cabinet meeting held on Monday (Dec.18).

In a statement, the government said the decision was taken in a bid to create competitive pricing for Keeri Samba and Samba in the local market and to provide relief to the consumers.

As per the recommendations of the Food Policy Committee, the Cabinet of Ministers, on November 20, had approved a proposal to import 50,000MT of rice to control the soaring prices in the local market.