Reports say that there is a shortage of the Keeri Samba rice variety in the market after wholesale prices had exceeded the MRP.
Although the stipulated MRP on a kilo of Keeri Samba is Rs. 260, wholesale traders in Pettah state that they are receiving stocks at a price of Rs. 320 per kilo.
In this backdrop, most rice traders in Pettah are refraining from selling Keeri Samba, reports add.
The United Rice Producers’ Association says it is requesting the government to remove the maximum retail price imposed on Samba and Keeri Samba rice.
However, the Sri Lanka Small and Medium Scale Paddy Mill Owners’ Association is requesting that no steps be taken to remove the maximum retail price of rice as they claim that large-scale rice mill owners are trying to create an artificial shortage of rice and gain profits.
Meanwhile, the National Farmers’ Union says that the government should intervene immediately and provide solutions to this issue.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has urged all stakeholders in the rice trade to adhere to the stipulated MRP, warning that strict measures will be taken against those who flout the rules.
