COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved to import of 200,000 MT of Nadu Rice and 100,000 MT of GR 11 short Grain Rice as a substitute for Samba Rice.

The proposal was presented by the Ministry of Trade to ensure the availability of the required rice consignments in the open market.

Joint Cabinet Spokesperson Minister (Dr) Ramesh Pathirana told reporters that the rice will be imposed from India and this decision was made as rice production in the country has dropped this year and has resulted in high prices for locally produced rice.

He said the imports will be awarded to Sathosa and private importers.

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