The President directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilogram and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilogram. The Consumer Affairs Authority was instructed to take action within the next ten days and enforce strict legal measures against rice mill owners who fail to comply with the pricing regulations.
Highlighting the country's significant investments in highways, irrigation, and agriculture, as well as subsidies provided to support farmers, the President reminded traders of their responsibility to ensure affordable rice for the public. The provision of low-interest bank loans to facilitate paddy purchases was also emphasized.
The fixed rice prices are as follows:
- Nadu rice: Wholesale Rs. 225, Retail Rs. 230
- White rice: Wholesale Rs. 215, Retail Rs. 220
- Imported Nadu rice: Retail Rs. 220
- Samba rice: Wholesale Rs. 235, Retail Rs. 240
- Keeri Samba: Wholesale Rs. 255, Retail Rs. 260
The President strongly condemned the practice of daily price fluctuations by rice mill owners and instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority to monitor and report daily rice production and distribution from mills.
Urging collaboration, the President called on rice traders to work with the government to resolve rice-related issues constructively and ensure stability in the market.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development A. Wimalenthirajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe, and other senior officials.
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