The government has decided to extend the rice importation period until 10 January 2025, with the final approval expected at the Cabinet meeting on Monday (23 December).

Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa announced yesterday (19 December) that the extension will be formalised through a Gazette notification to be issued on 24 December 2024.

The current authorization for rice imports expires at midnight today (20). Without an extension, any rice arriving after the deadline will have to be re-exported, according to Additional Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda.

Since 4 December, when the government granted import permission, the private sector has imported 35,600 metric tons of rice, including nearly 20,000 metric tons of Nadu rice and 16,000 metric tons of Kekulu rice.

In addition, a shipment of 52,000 metric tons of rice ordered by the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation is set to arrive at the port soon.