• Paddy to be purchased between Rs 50 to Rs 52 from farmers 

By Yohan Perera 

The government is to sign an agreement with all rice mill owners within the next two weeks, Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage said yesterday. 

Minister Aluthgamage said the government is planning to increase the fine for those traders who sell rice at black market prices to Rs 100,000. 

“We also plan to purchase paddy at a price of Rs 50 to Rs 52 from the farmers. The government will fully control the rice prices in the future,” the Minister said.