ECONOMYNEXT – Mills in Sri Lanka’s Marandhagahamulla, a key rice trading centre, are getting new paddy from the Maha (main) harvest which will be released to consumers in the next few days, an industry official said.

After torrential rains delayed harvests and drying initially, paddy is now being harvested in several districts.

“After the rains ceased we are now getting rice from about thee districts,” B K Ranjith, President of the Marandhagahamulla Rice Producers Association told reporters.

“We are getting paddy stocks now, and we can release rice at controlled prices.”

White rice and parboiled rice [nadu] will be available from tomorrow, he said.

“Keeri samba, red rice (rathu kekulu), and other types will be available from next week.”

Sri Lanka’s red rice disappeared into black markets from December after price controls were imposed below the market clearing price. (Colombo/Jan31/2024)

Published Date: February 1, 2025