Sajith Slams Government Over Rice Imports as Local Farmers Struggle With Low Paddy Prices

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has sharply criticised the government over its decision to import rice, questioning why the country is bringing in foreign supplies at a time when domestic production is reportedly in surplus.

Premadasa raised the issue publicly, arguing that the move undermines Sri Lankan farmers who are already grappling with depressed paddy prices. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya leader questioned the logic behind the imports, suggesting they reflect poor policy planning and a failure to protect the livelihoods of the nation's agricultural community.

A Blow to Local Farmers

At the heart of Premadasa's criticism is the impact on paddy farmers, who he says are receiving prices well below what they need to sustain their operations. He argued that allowing rice imports when local stocks are sufficient only drives prices down further, placing rural farming families under even greater financial strain.

The Opposition Leader questioned how the government could justify importing rice while farmers across the country are struggling to obtain a fair price for their own harvest.

Sri Lanka's paddy farming sector plays a significant role in the country's rural economy, with hundreds of thousands of families depending on it as their primary source of income. Critics of the current policy say the government has a responsibility to stabilise domestic paddy prices before turning to imports.

Calls for Policy Accountability

Premadasa called on the government to provide clear answers on the rationale behind the import decision and to take immediate steps to support local producers. He urged authorities to ensure that any trade decisions are made with the welfare of Sri Lankan farmers as a top priority.

The government has yet to issue a detailed public response to the Opposition Leader's remarks. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Sri Lanka's agricultural sector, which continues to recover from the economic turmoil of recent years that disrupted fertiliser supplies and hit crop yields hard.

Political observers note that food pricing and farmer welfare are issues that resonate strongly with voters outside Colombo, and that the debate over rice imports is likely to remain a prominent point of contention between the government and opposition in the weeks ahead.

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