Clearance of rice imports within four hours: Customs

By Poojathmi Rivithma

The rice stocks will be released from the Colombo Port within four hours of their arrival, provided the necessary taxes are paid, Additional Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda said.   

Addressing the media he said the above measures aim to streamline the importation process and ensure the timely availability of rice in the local market.   

“Importers will be required to clear the goods by settling the applicable duties, after which the rice will be promptly dispatched for distribution,” he said.   

This initiative is expected to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of rice imports during periods of high demand.   

Arukgoda also said that the government has decided to import 70,000 metric tons of rice. To meet this target, between 2,500 and 3,000 containers of rice need to be brought into the country.   

Furthermore, he warned that the country could face a severe rice shortage unless the required stocks are imported within the next two weeks.   

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs has collected Rs. 21 billion in taxes and other fees this year through its regular operations and crackdown efforts.