Sri Lanka Customs reports that the private sector has imported 440 metric tonnes of rice from India since 9 December 2024.

The Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association has proposed reducing the customs duty on imported rice by Rs. 15, stating that it would enable sellers to offer rice at the maximum retail price.

According to the association’s media spokesperson, Nihal Seneviratne, importers could supply Nadu Rice for approximately Rs. 220 per kilogram. He further noted that the distribution network would add a cost of 8% to 10% per kilogram after the rice reaches the wholesale market.