‘Rumours may attempt to disrupt sale of imported rice’

President, National Movement for Consumer Right’s Protection - Ranjith Withanage

“A sample of the suspected stock of plastic rice has been sent for lab testing by the CAA. We will have to deliberate the matter further once the report comes through. For the moment, we cannot afford to cause alarm among consumers.”

“We are doubtful of these rumours as they might be an attempt to disrupt the sale of imported rice or might even be a story fabricated with the intention of increasing wheat flour consumption in the country. Therefore, we will await the results of the lab test to decide our course of action.”

“If we are not satisfied with the test results, we will proceed with alternative testing methods following discussions. For now, we wanted to suspend the sale of the particular stock of rice until we ascertained the truth.”

Meanwhile in a statement released yesterday the NMCRP demanded the Director General of Health Services to declare his stance on the controversial stock of rice issued by Sathosa outlets. It said only the Sathosa Chairman has made his views clear adding that the silence by the authorities of food security poses an ethical question. The movement called for the immediate investigation of the plastic rice controversy in order to guarantee the health and wellbeing of Sri Lankan consumers, a service which falls under the purview of the Director General of Health Services.