Minister Rishad Bathiudeen stated that plans have been made to import 55000 metric tons of rice from Pakistan and Myanmar to avoid facing a shortage of rice stocks.
The statements were brought out during an announcement made by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
A total of 30000 metric tons from Pakistan and 25000 metric tons of rice from Myanmar is said to be imported into the country.
Bathiudeen added that the decision to import this stock of rice was made after a visit carried out by the secretary of the Ministry, Chinthaka S. Lokuhettige on the 7 of July to Pakistan and Myanmar to inspect the quality of rice.
He added that the importation will help avoid the inconvenience caused by certain retailers deceitfully hiding stocks of rice, causing a shortage in the market so that prices of rice could be increased.
The stock of rice is said to arrive in the country within the next two weeks.
