The Cabinet approved the immediate importation of 100,000 metric tons of rice to prevent an increase in rice prices in the local market.

The Cabinet had recently decided to immediately cancel the gazette notification containing the maximum wholesale and retail prices imposed on rice.

The government recently issued a gazette notification setting a maximum retail price of Rs. 95 / - per kilo of Sudu Kakulu and Rathu Kekulu, Rs. 98 / - per kilo of Nadu, Rs. 103 / - per kilo of Samba and Rs. 125 / - per kilo Kiri Samba.

Accordingly, the Gazette notification with regard to the maximum retail price on rice will be revoked.

The government was forced to make a decision on the Gazette notification after several large-scale rice mill owners categorically stated that they could not comply with the maximum retail prices.