Sri Lanka Facing Artificial Rice Shortage - AKD

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed that an artificial rice shortage has been created in the country.

Speaking in Trincomalee, the President stated that he informed major rice mill owners yesterday that he is prepared to take legal action against anyone unwilling to act responsibly to prevent this situation.

"Yesterday, I met with the major rice mill owners in Sri Lanka. There is no rice shortage in the country. What we are witnessing is an artificially created shortage. We informed them clearly: Are the mill owners willing to act responsibly, or will they follow the law? Our first preference is to work with understanding. However, if anyone is unwilling to act responsibly, we are prepared to enforce the law. While there may be a shortage in the shops, there is no shortage of rice in the country. We will not import a single grain of rice except for what is needed for the tourism industry. You must cultivate," said the President.

This statement was made during a rally organized in Trincomalee this morning to muster support for National People's Power in the parliamentary elections.