Sri Lanka Customs said that as of 5.30 p.m. today (12) the private sector has imported 1,900 metric tonnes of rice from India since December 10, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association says that if the Customs Duty on imported rice is reduced by Rs. 15, it would be possible to sell rice at the maximum retail price.

Accordingly, the association’s media spokesperson, Nihal Seneviratne, told reports today that importers can supply imported Nadu Rice for around Rs. 220 per kilogram.

Additionally, Seneviratne explained that the distribution network will incur a cost of between 8% and 10% per kilogram once the rice reaches the wholesale market.

On December 03, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to allow the import of rice without import control permits until 20 December 2024, in view of the current shortage of several rice varieties in the local markets.

A Gazette notification was issued by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) recently stipulating the maximum wholesale and retail prices for both local and imported rice.

Accordingly, the maximum retail price for one kilogram of imported raw rice is Rs. 210, while the maximum retail price for one kilogram of imported Nadu rice is Rs. 220.

The gazette notification also states that the maximum retail price for one kilogram of imported Samba rice is Rs. 230.