Importers say too little time to import rice

The importers expressed concerns over the short deadline set to import rice.

They say importing of rice before 20th of December as specified by the government gazette notification dated 4/12/24 is difficult as there is too little time for the exporters to find containers, booking space in the vessels and transporting the rice from mills to ports etc.

Spokesperson for the Essential food importers Association Nihal Senaviratne told the Timesonline that they would do their level best to import required rice to arrest the current severe shortage prevalent in the country, yet they are unsure of the quantities of rice that can be shipped before December 20.

He elaborated that year end festive season is celebrated globally the exporters would find it difficult to obtain services of container transporters, arrange shipments as both container transporters as well as shipping companies would be not available to due to year end brakes due to Christmas holidays. 

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved a proposal to allow rice imports without the need for permits to address the ongoing rice shortage.

The measure allowing rice imports without permits would remain in effect until December 20, 2024, following an assessment of the current rice shortage, including the scarcity of Nadu rice due to adverse weather conditions affecting local farmers.