• Calls Govt. plans to import 40,000 MT of rice a short-sighted decision

Farmers from the North Central and North Western Provinces yesterday claimed that a decision by the Government to import rice at this stage would be akin to abandoning the domestic paddy farming community during the peak of a major harvesting season.

This is because the Government is planning to import 40,000 metric tonnes of Keeri Samba and substitute rice amidst recent shortages.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (29), National Organiser of the Farmers' Struggle Movement, P. K. D. Wijeratne said that importing rice during a harvesting season when farmers have the opportunity to make a profit, would be a “short-sighted” decision for any Government. He alleged that the Government is ignoring its priorities, such as purchasing paddy from local farmers at a fair price and distributing fertiliser, while focusing on "useless" things like importing rice.

He argued that the Government should instead support local farmers to increase rice production, rather than discourage them with arbitrary decisions. “This decision will discourage farmers. As you know, people mortgage their assets to cultivate. How can such people survive if the Government itself dismantles the country's agriculture? This shows that the Government lacks knowledge about farming. We will ensure that we show the correct path to this Government if it continues to take the wrong one,” he added.

The Government has reportedly taken this decision due to the lack of sufficient rice stocks in the country and to meet the demand for Keeri Samba rice, as announced by the President’s Media Division (PMD). The move has been recommended by the Food Security and Cost of Living Committee, which convened at the Presidential Secretariat. Accordingly, around 5,000 metric tonnes of rice will be imported through State institutions, while the remainder will be brought in through the private sector based on market demand, the PMD stated.