The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a temporary measure allowing rice importers to bring in up to 520 metric tons of Ponni Samba rice per importer without a permit, in response to a shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the local market.
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision today (14), stating that the move aims to stabilise market supply and address the rising retail prices of Keeri Samba, which has been selling above the government’s stipulated control price.
The import window will be open from 15 October to 15 November 2025 and will apply to GR/11 grade Ponni Samba, a variety considered a suitable alternative to Keeri Samba.
According to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka’s annual rice consumption stands at approximately 2.46 million metric tons, with Keeri Samba accounting for about 10% of that total.
The proposal to permit Ponni Samba imports was jointly submitted by the Ministers of Agriculture and Trade, following recommendations from the Food Policy and Security Committee.
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