The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an extension of the rice importation permit until January 10, 2025, during a meeting held yesterday.
Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, announced that the permit, which was set to expire on December 20, has been officially extended. Minister of Trade, Wasantha Samarasinghe, confirmed that the relevant gazette notification would be issued promptly to facilitate the continuation of imports.
Sri Lanka Customs reported that by December 20, the country had received 67,000 metric tons of imported rice, comprising 28,500 metric tons of raw rice and 38,500 metric tons of Nadu rice.
Customs Media Spokesman, Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda, noted that the government collected Rs. 4.3 billion in import tax revenue from these rice stocks.
This decision aims to ensure sufficient rice availability and price stability in the local market during the coming months.
