Traders across various regions are urging the government to reconsider the Rs. 65 per kilogram tax on imported rice, advocating for a reduction to ease market challenges and stabilize prices.
Consumer organizations have echoed these calls, emphasizing that lowering the import tax would make rice more affordable for consumers while addressing ongoing supply issues.
Government Measures to Tackle the Rice Crisis
In response to the rice crisis, which has persisted for over two months, the government has introduced several initiatives, including:
- Setting maximum wholesale and retail price limits.
- Conducting raids on rice mills through the Consumer Affairs Authority to prevent hoarding and unfair practices.
- Facilitating rice imports from foreign markets.
Rice Imports and Revenue
Since import permissions were granted, Sri Lanka Customs reports that 67,000 metric tons of rice have been imported, comprising:
- 38,500 metric tons of Nadu rice.
- 28,500 metric tons of raw rice.
The government has collected Rs. 4.3 billion in import duties on these stocks, calculated at the Rs. 65 per kilogram rate.
Challenges Persist Despite Imports
Although the influx of imported rice has mitigated shortages in some areas, reports indicate that certain regions continue to experience scarcity. Traders in these areas claim they lack access to imported rice, despite the availability of local varieties.
With concerns from both traders and consumer groups mounting, the government faces increasing pressure to reassess its policies to ensure both affordability and availability of this essential staple.
