President Sirisena, last night, ordered raids on shops selling rice above the maximum retail price (MRP).

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), on February 8, set a maximum retail price on three varieties of rice: 1 kg Nadu rice at Rs. 72, 1kg raw rice at Rs. 70 and 1 kg Samba (excluding Keeri and Suduru) at Rs. 80.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen issued a strong warning to when the prices were gazette on February 8: “The MRPs announced by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) have to be followed,” he said.

“The CAA will act on errant traders who sell at higher prices.”

“We are also working with the Customs to obtain details of rice importers and import volumes. The CAA will set up a team of officials to investigate as to whether these imported rice quantities have been released to the market.”

“Importers who hoard rice stocks will be considered errant and legal measures will be taken against them.”

“Another team of investigators will be set up to investigate and monitor rice quantities milled by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB),” the Minister said.