Keeri samba shortage prompts raids and rice imports from India

A shortage of Keeri Samba rice has pushed the prices of other rice varieties up, prompting the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to carry out more than 400 raids in the past four months.

The raids led to the detection of 137 cases where rice had been sold above the maximum retail price (MRP). The CAA also found that some 294 traders had not displayed the prices of rice, thus violating regulations. Action was taken against 37 traders for hoarding rice.

Consumers across the country complain that there is a severe shortage of Keeri Samba rice. It is not available in any of the supermarkets.

Kandy Hoteliers’ Association President Rodney Armstrong said the shortage was affecting their business. Many restaurants use the more expensive Basmati rice instead.

Most people who are accustomed to eating Keeri Samba say they are forced to buy it at higher prices from traders and groceries.

The controlled price for Keeri samba rice stands at Rs. 260 a kilogram. However, the demand has pushed up the prices, with millers saying they are unable to supply it to traders to be sold at the controlled price while the market prices range from 295 to 300 a kilogram.

The government's response to the scarcity is to import rice from India.

State Trading Corporation Chairman Asiri Walisundera said the Cabinet had decided to import 50,000 metric tonnes for this festive season to overcome the Samba shortage in the market.

"The STC has been permitted to import rice and distribute it through Lanka Sathosa and other supermarket chains," he said, adding that the import process had begun and the stocks were expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by December 12.