Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), MP Ravi Karunanayake, raised concerns in Parliament over the ongoing issues related to paddy and rice prices, highlighting the difficulties faced by both farmers and consumers.
He noted that the government had made numerous promises to farmers before coming into power regarding the stabilization of paddy and rice prices. However, he questioned whether those pledges had been honored.
Karunanayake further stated that the failure to enforce the government’s declared minimum price for rice has left farmers vulnerable to exploitation by private traders.
At the same time, consumers have also been affected, with rice not being available at the promised minimum price and market prices remaining high.
He added that paddy farmers are increasingly frustrated by recent statements from the Ministry of Trade about rice imports, which have further undermined their confidence.
