It is reported that the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera has stated that the businessmen and farmers are trying to pretend a rice shortage by hiding rice stocks.
Speaking to the media in Puttalam area, he said that no matter how many stocks of rice are hidden, rice will not be allowed to be sold above the control price.
“We have no shortage of rice. But what has happened is that there is paddy, usually businessmen and farmers also know that the harvest of this rice season has been received. As this can be used for about five months, the farmers keep it in their houses. And the mill owners keep these in the mills. That is why this small deficit is created. But the amount of rice that the country needs.. that means we all have rice to eat. Basmati will have to be brought from the country. There is somewhat of a shortage of kiri sambas. And there is enough to grow rice. Also, no matter how much we hide, we will not allow normal level rice to go beyond the control price. It is maintained below the control price.