Importers are warning that the ongoing rice crisis in the country will persist unless private importers are allowed to bring in between 50,000 and 100,000 metric tons of rice. They also emphasized that they may be forced to withdraw their efforts if the government does not create a favorable environment for this importation.
Despite repeated requests to either reduce the Rs. 65 per kilogram duty on imported rice or to raise the price of imported rice, the government has not taken action, leading many importers to halt their rice orders.
In response to the crisis, importers point out that the President has taken steps to adjust the government’s controlled price by offering an additional Rs. 10 to large-scale mill owners who have received substantial bank loans. This move has allowed these mill owners to potentially earn an additional Rs. 50 to 60 million in profits. However, importers argue that it is unfair for the government to provide this additional funding from public money while refusing to reduce taxes on rice.
Importers also noted that the rice stocks they have ordered must reach Colombo by the 20th of this month. Given the current situation, there is doubt as to whether importers will continue placing rice orders moving forward.
Meanwhile, the 10,400 metric tons of rice expected to be imported by two government entities, Lanka Sathosa and the State Commercial Corporation, have not yet arrived. As of yesterday afternoon, there was a significant rice shortage across the country. Efforts to contact Dr. Samitha Perera, Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, for comment went unanswered.
A senior official from Sri Lanka Customs confirmed that a large quantity of imported rice had not yet arrived at the Colombo Port as of yesterday afternoon.
