Sri Lanka Customs has cleared 75,000 metric tons of imported rice as of December 29, following the government’s decision to allow rice imports without permits.
Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General, Seevali Arukgoda said the cleared imports include 32,000 metric tons of Samba rice and 43,000 metric tons of Nadu rice.
Arukgoda also said that measures are being taken to expedite the release of additional rice imports.
The initial decision to allow rice imports without permits was implemented on December 3, 2024, to address the shortage caused by adverse weather conditions affecting local production. (Islandnews)