Sri Lanka Customs has confirmed the importation of 3,500 metric tons of ‘Ponni Samba’ rice to address a shortage of ‘Keeri Samba’ rice in the local market. 

The government’s decision to import the GR-11 grade rice was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers from 15 October .

The first consignment arrived on 23 October , with further imports following on Friday and Saturday. 

To expedite the process, importers were exempted from obtaining import control licenses. 

The Food Policy and Security Committee recommended a maximum import limit of 520 metric tons per importer.