Importation of rice suspended - Taxes on big onions and potatoes increased

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has decided to suspend the importation of rice to the country. The Ministry said permission was given for traders to import rice only until April 30. It adds this measure was taken so that local farmers can sell their harvest at a reasonable price. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce also said that the import tax on big onions and potatoes have been increased with effect from midnight yesterday (May 2). This measure has been taken to aid local farmers and taking into consideration the drop in global market prices for big onions and potatoes. The import tax on big onions which was Rs. 1 and the import tax on potatoes which was Rs. 30 have been increased to Rs. 40 with effect from midnight yesterday (May 2).