Sri Lanka Customs has confirmed that the private sector has imported 440 metric tonnes of rice from India since December 9, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association has called for a reduction of Rs. 15 in the Customs Duty on imported rice, stating that such a move would enable them to sell rice at the maximum retail price.
Speaking to reporters today, the association’s media spokesperson, Nihal Seneviratne, announced that importers could supply Nadu rice at approximately Rs. 220 per kilogram if the proposed reduction in duty is implemented.
Seneviratne further explained that the distribution process would add a cost of 8% to 10% per kilogram once the rice reaches the wholesale market, which affects pricing at the retail level.
The association emphasized the importance of reduced duties to make rice more affordable for consumers amidst ongoing economic challenges.
