Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that 7.7 million metric tons of rice have been received by the country under the import process and another 1.1 million metric tons of rice are at the port.
The Minister also said that there may be some problems since the distribution of the rice stocks is being done through the private sector. In addition, he said that the existing shortage of red rice can also be resolved in a very short time.
He said that since the local rice will be available in the market by mid-January, the government is also concerned about the safety of the domestic farmer and that it is necessary to maintain the price of rice so that it does not harm the local farmer.
Meanwhile, the Minister further stated that there has been no information reported about the sale of imported rice stocks for beer production. The Minister said this while participating in the media briefing to inform the cabinet decisions held today.