Import of rice in Sri Lanka suspended till the gazette notification is issued

23-Dec-2024 12:30 PM

Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended rice imports until a gazette notification is issued, according to an announcement from the Customs Department.

The suspension follows the expiration of the previously allowed import period, which ended on December 20, 2024. During this period, approximately 67,000 tonnes of rice were imported, primarily from India, including Nadu rice.

The Sri Lankan government had previously announced an extension of the rice import period until January 10, 2025.

However, since the gazette notification required to formalize this extension has not yet been issued, the Customs Department has made it clear that rice imports will not be accepted until the proper notification is published.

The suspension of rice imports comes amid challenges in Sri Lanka's domestic rice production due to storm damage, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding that affected the paddy crop.

As a result, there is a risk of a decline in rice production, prompting the government to allow rice imports to stabilize the domestic market price.