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President directs fixed rice prices
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice to consumers at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilo and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilo.
The President also instructed the officials Consumer Affairs Authority to closely monitor the situation over the next ten days and strictly enforce the law against rice mill owners who fail to comply with the fixed prices.
President Dissanayake made these remarks during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, along with rice traders, at the Presidential Secretariat today (07).
The President highlighted that the largest investments in the country are allocated to the Ministry of Highways, followed by the Irrigation and Agriculture sectors, with substantial subsidies provided to farmers.
The President further pointed out that low-interest bank loans have been provided to traders for the purchase of paddy and urged rice traders not to undermine the public’s right to access affordable rice.
As a result, the following rice prices will be implemented
• Wholesale price of a kilo of Nadu rice: Rs. 225, Retail price: Rs. 230
• Wholesale price of a kilo of white rice: Rs. 215, Retail price: Rs. 220
• Retail price of a kilo of imported Nadu rice: Rs. 220
• Wholesale price of a kilo of Samba rice: Rs. 235, Retail price: Rs. 240
• Wholesale price of a kilo of Keeri Samba: Rs. 255, Retail price: Rs. 260
The President also strongly criticized rice mill owners for frequently changing rice prices on a daily basis and instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority to monitor the daily rice production and distribution by mills.
Furthermore, President Dissanayake urged the rice traders to collaborate with the government in resolving the rice-related issues in an amicable manner.
Comments - 57
Comments - President directs fixed rice prices
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Mizaru Saturday, 07 December 2024 09:14 PM
We gave the you and the NPP a 2/3 majority and silently and independently worked hard for it at grass root level. Bring new legislation so the our peoples staple diet is supplied flawlessly at a reasonable price. We are all behind you for any harsh action you may decide to take.
25 113
Jay Cee Sunday, 08 December 2024 03:41 AM
It is you people who need to work hard to make your country into what it should have been and not what it is at present. You can't expect one man to do all your dirty work while you choose to twiddle your thumbs. So !!! as a people of one of the best countries in South Asia wake up dust the cobwebs from your sleepy eyes and get down to hard work otherwise you will be once again be in the hands of your previous corrupt robber and looter politicians. WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP
16 48
Resolutions In A Timely Manner Sunday, 08 December 2024 09:11 AM
Hope the team in NPP learns from AKD the way to see a situation needing improvements or resolving. With calmness, think carefully and execute a solution within a timeframe. No point wasting time explaining in detail and Mud slinging one another. We have had enough with RW and his team of misfits over the years of mud slinging. Everyone insists immediate solutions and arrests of law breakers. Ensure all given a fair trial and prosecute in a timely manner.
14 29
Yohan Sunday, 08 December 2024 09:24 AM
Lol. Next time pls dont go to cast your vote. People like you are the biggest problem for the development of SL.
18 24
ANVR Monday, 09 December 2024 08:42 AM
SRI .LANKAN PREVISE GOV'T HAS 1500 billion USD FOREGN LOWNE 1500 X 300 = 4 50 000 SL Rs.
0 0
Russel Harmmer Monday, 09 December 2024 11:21 AM
Ha Yohan, like the foolish voters don't conn man. Within three four months any Govt. cannot perform miracles. Wait in patience for another six months and then talk your nonsense.
2 0
ANURA IS WIDE AWAKE AND HARD AT WORK. MAY THE LORD GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH AND MOTIVATION TO GOVERN THE COUNTRY WITH HIS TEAMS OF ECONOMY/LEGAL ADVISORS Saturday, 07 December 2024 09:20 PM
EXCELLENT DIRECTION BY THE PRESIDENT, HE IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, THOUGH SOME COMMENTS THINK OTHERWISE. PEOPLE HAVE PATIENCE THE PRESIDENT IS WORKING HARD WITH HIS TEAM ON UPDATES AND OR ISSUES, INCLUDING WORKING ON HIS MANIFESTO. KEEP UP THE FAITH/TRUST IN HIM AND HIS TEAM AND DO NOT GET MISLED BY NEGATIVE COMMENTS THAT TRY TO RIDICULE ANURA/NPP AND HIS ADVISORY TEAMS.
39 120
FredSnR Sunday, 08 December 2024 03:34 AM
Since it is a subject very much in the news and will always will be, as a staple in our diet ,it will be helpful if someone explained the basics, what happens and what it should be, in terms of prices , for public awareness on the subject
0 11
Stop All Unproductive Parliamentary Debates Sunday, 08 December 2024 05:42 AM
Truly Agree AKD is executing and amending policies which will benefit everyone within the next few years. However his team too needs to be more adaptive to situations and challenges. An example was Wasantha’s debate in parliament over the rice shortage. We don’t want lengthy, unproductive and mud slinging debates. He should have just announce there is an issue and possibly causes of it. Follow up with what actions will be taken and finally an expected time line needed to resolve the situation. Opposition will definitely belittle the current government as they are extremely jealous of NPP winning the elections and will highlight all the shortcomings. This is where professionalism of the educated team from NPP is needed with calmness to resolve the issues. Hopefully, within the next few weeks, important stocks of fuel, gas and staple foods are adequately stored and in government control for at least 5 to 8 months. This will ensure price stability too.
3 20
Upulpb Saturday, 07 December 2024 09:41 PM
Trading should be fair deal for both traders and consumers. Good directive by the President
9 22
Tissa Fernando Saturday, 07 December 2024 09:52 PM
Sounds like an armchair president giving directives left and right but no one is implementing any.
24 42
Pissu Fernando Sunday, 08 December 2024 05:23 PM
@Tissa Fernando, are you still bitter that your RW was humiliatingly booted out by the people?
2 5
M Fernando Sunday, 08 December 2024 07:03 PM
Happy to critique but no objections to taking advantage of low price, eh ?
0 0
Jagath Monday, 09 December 2024 04:51 AM
Are you one of seyas poofy clones?
0 0
RanjithT Saturday, 07 December 2024 10:04 PM
With all due respect President has no legal mandate to fix prices of any product. It is done through the CAA as mandated by the act. I do not know whether the Comrade president has actually given the direction. Up to now there is no Gazette notification fixing the maximum retail prices as shown in the news item. Without such there is no legal provision to raid any shop to enforce controlled price. If done it is an extra judicial act. I believe NPP supporters did not not want such extra judicial acts. It shows lack of understanding of a democratic governing process. Where are we heading?
12 36
M Fernando Sunday, 08 December 2024 09:18 PM
During the previous regimes when newspaper headlines were full of "president issues instructions for this", "pm issues directives for that", "minister directs the other", no one raised a peep of objections. Suddenly all opinions are coming out of the woodwork. Was everyone so scared of RW, GR and predecessors?
1 0
Man Monday, 09 December 2024 07:52 AM
What did the government do good for the ordinary public other than reducing fuel with negligible amounts though promised to reduce to Rs. 150/=? They promised to cancel all unsolicited contracts including Trincomalee oil tanks agreement and Adhani projects. In addition, to amend the IMF agreement and remove taxes particularly on essential items. Reduce the fuel prices after removing commissions and the diesel price to Rs. 150/=. Blast the rice mafia. All was to be done in a short time with the executive powers. But, nothing has been done and 7 M people still starve as Ranil's time and no difference to Ranil's time. The Ranil advanced repayment process which was to be started from 2028, not changed though the IMF wanted to start from 2033. As they failed, they have started to threaten the media like the Rajapaksha era. Talks only. No Action. Just compare the 100 day programme of the good governance for being aware of actions rather than talks.
0 2
Dee Saturday, 07 December 2024 10:21 PM
Another Drama!
11 32
James Saturday, 07 December 2024 10:49 PM
Floor prices never work. Usually creates the opposite effect as it lead to sellers hoarding stocks knowing they are worth more than price floor. Only a fool who has no economic knowledge would try something so impulsive. This is like Nandalal once trying to force companies to convert their dollars into rupees. It backfired. Companies parked their money elsewhere
6 22
Zeereez Saturday, 07 December 2024 10:56 PM
Any control pricing mechanism will lead to Black Market and scarcity. Simple Economic principle It's only the supply that can control the demand and stabilise price. Control is the good old day method.
0 24
ANVR Saturday, 07 December 2024 11:01 PM
I TALK ONE SMALL RICE MILL OWNER, HE SAY IF THIS THE CASE, I CAN'T PAY A GOOD SALARY TO THE EMPLOYEE.
7 14
Jude Saturday, 07 December 2024 11:59 PM
Even some economist in America suggest must bring price control on essential items. Because supplies and retailers engage in gouging and collusion. Only way to counter "Greedflation" is to have price control. Yeah.
9 8
What else is there to prove Sunday, 08 December 2024 12:21 AM
AKD FAILED.
19 32
A nizam Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:05 AM
Pricing controls leads to shortages. These jokers haven’t learnt anything!!! The only solution is to increase production.. but when you elect a bunch of clowns who have never had a real job in their lives.. this is what u get.
12 25
mafiosi sl Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:06 AM
In sri lanka every thing is in mafiosi hands, rice mafia, drug mafia, liquor mafia, sugar mafia, fish mafia, fuel mafia, budhist monks mafia, religious mafia, sand mafia, coconut mafia, egg mafia, medicine mafia, ayurveda mafia, private teaching mafia, police mafia, army mafia, navy mafia, air force mafia,..... Even the president cant do anything, because all sri lankans are mafiosi.
2 22
Pravda Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:53 AM
What about Minority mafia. They hold govts to ransom
9 6
wickrama Wijayasiri Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:17 AM
Excellent directive. We all know that you tried. It is time that you put your foot down. If it all fails, GOSL should take over the milling and distribution in a competitive way. The private cartel should be eliminated.
13 6
Man Monday, 09 December 2024 07:56 AM
What did the government do good for the ordinary public other than reducing fuel with negligible amounts though promised to reduce to Rs. 150/=? They promised to cancel all unsolicited contracts including Trincomalee oil tanks agreement and Adhani projects. In addition, to amend the IMF agreement and remove taxes particularly on essential items. Reduce the fuel prices after removing commissions and the diesel price to Rs. 150/=. Blast the rice mafia. All was to be done in a short time with the executive powers. But, nothing has been done and 7 M people still starve as Ranil's time and no difference to Ranil's time. The Ranil advanced repayment process which was to be started from 2028, not changed though the IMF wanted to start from 2033. As they failed, they have started to threaten the media like the Rajapaksha era. Talks only. No Action. Just compare the 100 day programme of the good governance for being aware of actions rather than talks.
0 1
wickrama Wijayasiri Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:26 AM
It is all plausible that the crooks and their crones are fighting back for the fear of their lives. They are getting to see the gates to Welikada in their dreams. They are trying to derail the elected government. People who used to chew the bones which they threw at them and other wrongdoers are also mobilized in order to keep them away from Welikada's gates. Do not fear. As long as you and your team are honest and are working for the benefit of the country, you will not fail.
4 7
donkeys votes Sunday, 08 December 2024 02:53 PM
Govt has to deliver. blaming others is not what is expected. the very people who voted for the previous crooks have voted this Montessori into power. so people also must learn to be responsible.
2 9
Cheers Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:59 AM
Tom pachaya who got power through aragalaya and misleading the public should be sent home he is now suffering from people who has already moved away another crook led no show government
8 16
Disgusted Citizen Sunday, 08 December 2024 02:04 AM
This is the right move. Market forces should be allowed to manage prices but in this case a few rice mill owners are holding the country to ransom. The President is right when he says that though the farmers grow the rice we as tax payers have a stake in this since these are public land given to farmers , they are given fertilizer at subsidized rates , irrigation schemes are constructed and maintained by the state. These are all supported by the tax payers and then we cannot stand by when a few mill owners come over and buy the entire production during harvest time and hoard them. This is about State intervention on the side of the people against the greedy few. Moving forward there should be a system where subsidized fertilizer and water has to be conditional on selling paddy to the state at a fair market price with fairness and cut the middleman altogether. Dudley should find another profession or open a boutique shop in Polonnaruwa with his worthy brother.
5 5
Man Monday, 09 December 2024 07:59 AM
What did the government do good for the ordinary public other than reducing fuel with negligible amounts though promised to reduce to Rs. 150/=? They promised to cancel all unsolicited contracts including Trincomalee oil tanks agreement and Adhani projects. In addition, to amend the IMF agreement and remove taxes particularly on essential items. Reduce the fuel prices after removing commissions and the diesel price to Rs. 150/=. Blast the rice mafia. All was to be done in a short time with the executive powers. But, nothing has been done and 7 M people still starve as Ranil's time and no difference to Ranil's time. The Ranil advanced repayment process which was to be started from 2028, not changed though the IMF wanted to start from 2033. As they failed, they have started to threaten the media like the Rajapaksha era. Talks only. No Action. Just compare the 100 day programme of the good governance for being aware of actions rather than talks.
0 1
Gune Sunday, 08 December 2024 03:39 AM
You can never manipulate free market. This will increase the shortage of rice. If traders can't buy rice for the fixed price (someone must be willing to sell), it won't work. On the other hand, fix the price issues for farmers. Farmers will always sell paddy to the person offering higher prices. Who is offering higher prices? It is the rice mill owners, not Paddy Marketing Board. Also when farmers go to sell paddy to the government, they have to wait hours and wait for million eceipts and books those lethargic officers need to complete. Why bother? Just sell to rice mill owners at a higher price and quickly. This will never be resolved.
0 13
Lanka Shantha Sunday, 08 December 2024 06:54 AM
If not reducing the rice price, post the rice sellers with heavy income tax and charge them every month. Don't wait for year end.
12 2
Silly Point Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:21 AM
What a stupid thing to say. There is a thing called Income Tax Act that applies to all businesses in the same way. It can’t apply to rice millers in one way and the others in a different way.
0 16
Vijith Pieterz Monday, 09 December 2024 11:30 AM
Very good advice. Yes, impose high Taxes for all Mega rice mill owners like Dudley, Nipuna etc., then automatically all the hidden rice will come out.
0 0
ronikailadasa Sunday, 08 December 2024 07:35 AM
Mr President, where is the reduction in the price of electricity? Would you do the same as for the price of rice day or two ago. No revision for 6 months but approve staff bonuses with profits the management and staff of electricity board.
0 21
Namali Sunday, 08 December 2024 01:31 PM
He did not reduce rice prices but only a proclamation made to control prices starting from Rs. 230/= and above. This is ineffective when there is a scarcity. Take quick action to import or get that mafia-rice, Jeppo complained before elections. These workers of all govt. departments or state owned so called enterprises who voted NPP wholesale, must sacrifice bonus if their govt. is weak to issue an executive order to reduce essential, utility bill rates.
0 4
Perera Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:11 AM
Is it a job of president of republic of SL to decide price of kg of rice? As expected he is only doing low level things and forgotten all major promises he has given related to reduction of price of fuel, electricity, food items etc.
0 23
Lala Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:54 AM
Price has increased, so real magic here. Somewhat similar to RE philosophy.
0 7
Grace Sunday, 08 December 2024 09:20 AM
The day, people read the news that coconut in sold in halves, they realised that the country is returning to 1970-1977 era. Sri Lanka will become a wonder of the world very soon.
0 21
LankanLover Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:09 AM
Nothing will change overnight, I believe in this government, they will do better in the coming days, we should give them time.
15 5
John Perera Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:24 AM
People abroad want chaos in Sri Lanka for gossip and entertainment. Now they are getting frustrated due to the smart moves by the president
14 5
Hudson Monday, 09 December 2024 03:36 AM
This what happens to people who thought how to swim but never stepped into the water. Now they are thrown to the deep end.
0 2
Labby Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:30 AM
Another attempt to divert from the bigger problem. So make all brands of rice available first. Unavailability of Nadu is a problem, not merely the price. Makes no sense to have a price control on something not available.
0 12
Krishnan Sunday, 08 December 2024 11:51 AM
Stop Eating rice and start looking for more healthy alternatives. Rice, Flour, Sugar and milk powder are some of the leading causes for lifestyle diseases in around the world.
6 11
That's how DS gets his bribe back Sunday, 08 December 2024 04:00 PM
This is not fixing price of rice. This is increasing price. Dudley gets his quota.
0 3
Dr froley Sunday, 08 December 2024 04:04 PM
WE HAVE A VERY BRAVE PRESIDENT THIS IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM GOOD LUCK TO OUR PRESIDENT HOPE SRI-LANKA RECOVER FROM CORRUPTION
0 0
warren Sunday, 08 December 2024 05:51 PM
Simple economics. If the "price ceiling" (i.e. the maximum price at which a good can be sold) imposed by the policymakers is below the "equilibrium price", then it will lead to SHORTAGES. That's it.
0 1
martin Sunday, 08 December 2024 05:54 PM
This will backfire. Wherever you introduce price controls, black market flourishers.
0 0
Negotiate without dictating Sunday, 08 December 2024 06:17 PM
Unrealistic of government to dictate prices without considering cost to farmers and mill owners. This will only damage rice local production, increase reliance on imports and ruin the local economy over time. Government should have better negotiating skills with mill owners.
0 0
Lk Monday, 09 December 2024 12:24 AM
A strong advise and they can’t play with lives of people : No one should be allowed play around with the staple food : this is not about money making rather it is people who suffer and our business community do not care about people
0 0
Fernando Monday, 09 December 2024 12:28 AM
Price increased. That's it. What's so brave about that?
0 2
L Jaya Monday, 09 December 2024 11:21 AM
It is very clear the production cost of local rice higher the imported rice. Government needs to look into this aspect, thus to increase the productivity (lowering production cost) introducing latest technology and IT solution for creating stock details. There should be a solid master plan thus not making patch solution if this happens again. I believe SJB's Shakthi-Sahal program is an effective path to clear prevailing issues
0 1
Kondaya Monday, 09 December 2024 11:26 AM
Dudley plays games with his brother's - My3-pala Sirisena's contract bribe money in millions. Very soon Dudley will lose all his businesses and go to the bottom like My-3 pala.
0 0
AJ Monday, 09 December 2024 05:31 PM
AKD and mill owners got together and increased the rice price by another Rs 10 to consumers, when we complaining Rs 220 is unbearable, AKD raised it to compromise with miller buddies,some people even praising this as such a good solution,but common people never agree with this resolution
0 0
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