By Rathindra Kuruwita

Rice retailers were in trouble following the sudden imposition of price controls, the President of the Marandagahamula Rice Traders’ Association, B.K. Ranjith, told a media briefing on Wednesday (11).

He said rice millers usually released rice at Rs 215 per kilo, which is then supplied to retailers through intermediaries who transport it to shops.

Ranjith noted that on 7 December, the government had set maximum retail prices for rice with a kilogram of white kekulu capped at Rs 220 a kilo, nadu at Rs 230 a kilo, and keeri samba at Rs 260 a kilo.

“We have been receiving rice at prices ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 25 above these controlled rates. We have requested officials to grant us a few days to sell off the existing stock purchased at higher prices. However, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) began conducting raids on 10 December. Now, we are left with no option but to incur substantial losses,” he said.