Private Sector Rice Import Permission Ends with 167,000 Metric Tons Imported

The special permission granted to the private sector for rice imports expired at midnight on 10 January.

During the import period, a total of 167,000 metric tons of rice was brought into the country to address shortages of Nadu and Kekulu Rice in the local market. According to Sri Lanka Customs, the imported rice included 66,000 metric tons of Raw Rice and 101,000 metric tons of Nadu Rice.

The permission, which was granted on 4 December, allowed private importers to clear rice shipments to meet local demand.

Meanwhile, a new consignment of rice imported by the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation is expected to arrive. Clearing this shipment will require fresh approval, according to Seevali Arukgoda, Additional Director General of Customs and Media Spokesperson.