Cabinet approval is granted to import alternative rice varieties as a solution to the current shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba in the local market. Information from the Department of Agriculture, the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, and the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management indicates that the total production from the 2025/26 Maha season is insufficient to meet national requirements.

The Consumer Affairs Authority warns of a severe shortage of these rice varieties starting in May 2026. To meet market demand and maintain stable prices, the Food Policy and Security Committee highlighted the need to import varieties similar to Samba and Keeri Samba.

Consequently, the Cabinet approved a joint proposal by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development. This allows any importer to bring in a maximum of 1,040 metric tonnes of rice classified under HS Code 1006.30.29, including Ponni Samba, Milky/Paal Ponni, and the variety known as GR 11, between April 1 and April 30, 2026.

These stocks must clear Sri Lanka Customs on or before May 31, 2026. Importers of these specific rice varieties are also exempt from the requirement to obtain import control licenses for this period.