Govt to slash rice prices

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The Co-operatives and Internal Trade Ministry will reduce the price of rice on President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directive.

Under this initiative, rice production will be accelerated by re-opening several neglected State-owned rice mills to sell the milled rice to consumers through Sathosa outlets at reasonable prices in competition with private sector mills.

Several rice mills which were closed earlier due to various reasons will be reopened. The local paddy harvest especially where the rice mill is established will be utilised to produce the rice. The rice will be sold through countrywide Lak Sathosa and co-operative outlets.

The Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry has identified several Government owned rice mills are suitable to commence operations again. The rice mill in Pannegamuwa, Hambantota will be reopened in few weeks. Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando has directed officials to streamline the operation of the rice mill. The mill was closed due to weak management but it would be rectified and will resume operations soon.

The Pannegamuwa rice mill has facilities to produce 40 mt of rice in 24 hours. China has assisted in installing the rice mill. Paddy is cultivated in large scale in Hambantota District and the harvest can easily be utilised for processing quality rice.

The rice will be sold at Sathosa outlets throughout the country, Minister Fernando said. When the rice mills are in operation, paddy cultivators will benefit with better prices for their crop while the consumers will be able to purchase quality rice at reasonable price. This will held stabilize of rice prices, Minister Fernando added.