Rice stocks seized from large-scale millers released to market

Large stocks of rice seized by Commissioner General of Essential Services under the instructions of President from rice millers including six major traders is to be released to the market today.

The stocks of rice owned by the large-scale mill owners in the Polonnaruwa area were seized on Wednesday, the President’s office said.

The raids were carried out on Nipuna, Lathpandura, Araliya, Hiru, New Rathna and Suriya  under the direct supervision of the Commissioner General of Essential Services Major General Senarath Niwunhella and the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority.

The process of expeditiously transporting these rice stocks to Sathosa outlets commenced soon after.

Officials said the raids were ordered after the rice stocks  were not released to the market and possessed by all large-scale rice mills in the Polonnaruwa area.

During the raids officials were obstructed at some of the locations and those obstructing were warned they could be arrested under existing regulations.

After the government introduced a controlled price for rice, the Commissioner General of Essential Services has held discussions with the owners of these rice mills on maintaining an ample production capacity and releasing rice to the market without any shortage.

However, since they have not taken any action as agreed, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given instructions to Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane, the Commissioner General of Essential Services and the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority to seize the rice stocks and release them to the market, the President’s office said.

Polonnaruwa District Secretary W.A. Dharmasiri, Polonnaruwa Senior Superintendent of Police Oshan Hewawitharana and others were also present during the seizure.