• Cite availability of stocks including Keeri Samba 

Small- and medium-scale mill owners have urged the Government to maintain transparency regarding its rice import plans, claiming that the country's rice supply requirements for the upcoming festive season have already been secured and that there is no immediate need for further imports. They said that the adequate cultivation of Keeri Samba, which faced shortages last year (2025), had taken place this year (2026), ensuring sufficient supplies of that variety also. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the President of the Small and Medium-Scale Mill Owners' Association B K Ranjith said that Government officials usually hold meetings with rice mill owners to assess available stocks and determine whether imports are necessary, and, if so, in what quantities. "But, the Government imports arbitrarily," he claimed. He further claimed that there is no necessity for the Government to import rice, as the country already has sufficient stocks, exceeding its actual requirements. 

He also said that rice consumption had declined, attributing the trend partly to the rising cost of living. "People go for other alternatives," he said. According to him, when the prices of meat, fish, eggs and vegetables increase, consumers tend to shift towards alternative food options that require fewer accompanying dishes. 

Also, he ruled out a rice price hike during the upcoming festive season, citing the existing surplus. "Actually, the prices are lower this time," he said, adding that, unlike last year, when Keeri Samba was in short supply, all rice varieties are currently available without shortages.

Meanwhile, the Pettah Importers' Association said that adequate stocks of all non-perishable essential goods are available to meet the festive season demand. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the President of the Association, G.S. Illamanathan said that there are no immediate plans for further imports. 

Mill owners have repeatedly raised concerns over the difficulties that they face when the Government imports rice despite sufficient stocks already being available in the country.

Attempts to contact the Deputy Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister R.M. Jayawardena for comment were unsuccessful.