The All-Island Small and Medium Scale Rice Mill Owners’ Association has cautioned that Sri Lanka could face a severe rice shortage within the next two weeks if the government does not take immediate steps to import rice.
Association Chairman U.K. Semasinghe emphasized the government’s responsibility to devise long-term strategies to address this issue effectively.
Media reports quoting Semasinghe stated, “We must focus on a sustainable solution. Otherwise, we risk facing recurring crises. The Paddy Marketing Board should implement a structured plan to procure paddy during the Yala harvest. Additionally, as a short-term measure, the government must urgently import rice to stabilize the market and prevent a looming shortage.”
He also highlighted the importance of regulating the allocation of rice for purposes like beer production and animal feed, ensuring priority for human consumption.
Meanwhile, former Director of Agriculture K.B. Gunaratne urged authorities to focus on replanting flood-affected paddy fields instead of solely offering compensation to farmers, which he sees as a more sustainable approach to rebuilding agricultural output.
The warnings come amid concerns about food security and price stability in the wake of recent floods and economic challenges.
