More rice storage facilities mooted

Irangika Range

The Government is planning to set up wholesale storage facilities to stock up additional rice for utilisation in an emergency situation as a relief measure for consumers. Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operative and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardhana told the Media yesterday that 100,000 mt of rice stock are expected to be stored at these stores to address any artificial shortage. "We will also maintain a additional stock of cement to be utilised in such an eventuality," he said.

The Government will not allow any rice shortage. Around 2.2 million mt of paddy are available countrywide. He said that around 60,000 mt of Rathu Nadu are available in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi and steps have already been taken to transport the stock to Colombo.

"We imposed the maximum retail price for rice to prevent unfair rice price hikes by blackmaketeers," he said. It was also aimed at drawing out concealed rice stocks.

The attempt is successful with the shopowners, whole sale organisations and rice mill owners' compromising to sell their rice stock complying with the Government's stipulated prices.

They agreed to provide Samba and Nadu rice at Rs.70 while Kekulu rice is priced at Rs.65.

He said several boutiques were closed still due to New Year festive holidays. Mills have also been closed due to maintenance schedules. The next few weeks will see more rice stocks in the market. There will not be a rice shortage in Sri Lanka as the country reaps a bumper harvest in both Yala and Maha seasons.

He said that CAA officials will raid rice mills and shops islandwide. Hoarding rice and selling rice at higher prices while stocks are available are major offences.