The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has announced plans to sell 119 MT of keeri samba to create space for upcoming paddy purchases. 

This decision comes as part of preparations for the forthcoming harvest season, expected to begin around 20 January.

PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda explained that the rice in question had been stored in a facility in Ampara by the previous Government. 

He assured The Sunday Morning that there had never been a shortage of keeri samba in the market, despite the ongoing rice crisis in Sri Lanka. 

He said the stock had been maintained in storage as the market had a sufficient supply of the variety.

Pinnalanda clarified that the release of the stock was aimed at freeing up space to accommodate new paddy purchases, as the Government anticipated a resolution to the rice shortage by the time the new harvest began.

He also highlighted the risks associated with prolonged storage, which could lead to spoilage, making it essential for the PMB to take timely action by selling the rice through a tender process. 

– By Faizer Shaheid