Colombo, October 25 -  President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed that no businessman will be permitted to exploit the situation by unfairly raising the prices of rice.

He made this statement today (25) during a discussion with rice mill owners at the Presidential Secretariat. 

The President also announced that the government will support small and medium-scale rice mill owners in enhancing their capacity to help stabilise the rice market.

The President noted that since the government invests significantly in promoting agriculture, irrigation and fertiliser subsidies, these businesses have a social responsibility to provide rice to the public.

The meeting included an extensive discussion on measures to enhance the capacity of small and medium-scale rice mill owners to balance the market. 

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with officials from the Agriculture and Trade Ministries, along with representatives from the Paddy Marketing Board, today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting focused on the current situation regarding rice prices, with extensive discussions on necessary actions.