Opposition Leader Questions Rice Imports as Domestic Surplus Persists, Raises Farmer Price Concerns

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged the government's decision to import rice while domestic production exceeds national requirements, and criticized the gap between paddy production costs and guaranteed prices paid to farmers.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned the government's rationale for importing rice at a time when Sri Lanka's domestic production reportedly exceeds consumption needs. According to Premadasa, the country requires approximately 2.5 million metric tons of rice annually, while domestic production reaches about 3.2 million metric tons. Despite this surplus, he stated that the government has imported around 382,000 metric tons of rice, a decision he argued contradicts the administration's previous opposition to rice imports while in the opposition.

Premadasa has also raised concerns regarding the financial situation of paddy farmers. He highlighted that while the government promised to introduce a guaranteed paddy price of Rs. 150 per kilogram during its election campaign, the price remains at Rs. 120 per kilogram nearly two years after taking office. According to figures cited by Premadasa, the Agriculture Minister informed Parliament that production costs stand at approximately Rs. 137 per kilogram, creating a shortfall of Rs. 17 for farmers selling at the guaranteed rate.

Further criticizing government agricultural support measures, Premadasa noted that despite an allocation of Rs. 7,500 million to strengthen small- and medium-scale rice millers, farmers continue to struggle with marketing their harvest. He claimed that purchase boards exist in villages but the government is not actively buying paddy, leaving farmers unable to sell their produce effectively.

Premadasa made these remarks while participating in a community event in Galewela organized by his party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. He also raised broader economic concerns, citing potential climate impacts from El Niño and La Niña effects, while warning that poverty levels may be affecting between 30% and 40% of the population.