• Slight decline in paddy production: Govt.

Local markets in Colombo and surrounding areas experienced a shortage of keeri samba last week, creating significant inconvenience for consumers, as observed by The Sunday Morning. 

Just a few weeks ago, supermarkets were flooded with keeri samba, while consumers struggled to find white and red kekulu. 

However, the situation has now reversed, with keeri samba running out in the markets.

When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne admitted that there was a shortfall, but downplayed concerns about a severe shortage.

Karunaratne added that the Government was actively monitoring production data and ensuring retailer compliance with the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). 

“If there is anyone selling in excess of the MRP, the law will be administered against them through the Consumer Affairs Authority,” he warned.

Karunaratne also noted that production was ongoing, which would address the shortfall, which he said was not major.

He said that they were also looking into the needs of supermarkets and hotels, which rely heavily on keeri samba. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Food Security R.M. Jayawardana said: “There is no real issue in respect of storage facilities, but we have not undertaken a study of the quantity currently in stock because it keeps changing.” 

He explained that harvested paddy was now brought directly to malls and stored – a shift from past practices.

However, Jayawardana acknowledged the possibility of a rice shortage by the end of the year, adding that they were preparing for it.

Additionally, he stated that the outcome of the Yala season harvest would be critical in determining the extent of any shortage. 

“We have made a judgement based on the Maha season harvest for now. We will have to wait and observe how the Yala season harvest turns out,” he noted.

Karunaratne also expressed confidence in the upcoming Yala season, which is expected to compensate for any shortfall from the Maha season. 

“We are expecting a very high yield. If there is any shortage from the Maha season, it will be compensated for in the Yala season,” he stated.

He also dismissed broader concerns about a general decline in paddy production, attributing localised shortfalls to natural disasters. “Certain places where disaster struck need time to recultivate. Most places have produced more, so there is no major issue,” he said.