Cabinet has approved a proposal to convert 30,000 metric tonnes of paddy held by the Paddy Marketing Board into rice and release it to the market.

Lanka Sathosa will invite registered rice millers to process the paddy, with rice to be supplied in 5kg, 10kg, 25kg and 50kg packs.

The rice will be distributed through Lanka Sathosa, cooperative outlets and private-sector traders. A Price Committee will determine the conversion ratio and selling price.