Sri Lanka Customs says that there is no possibility of importing rice into the country under any circumstances until the gazette notification for rice imports is issued.
The period given to the private sector to import rice expired on the 20th, and by then 67,000 metric tons of rice had been imported into the country.
However, the government recently stated that the period given for rice imports will be extended until January 10th next year.
However, since the relevant gazette notification has not been published yet, Sri Lanka Customs stated that even if the government imports rice or with the government’s intervention, it is not possible to release it to the local market.
Meanwhile, a stock of 52,000 metric tons of rice imported by the government is scheduled to be brought to the country in the next few days.
However, government sources stated that the relevant gazette notification regarding the import of rice will be issued following the Cabinet meeting to be held today (23).