Cabinet approval has been granted to annually import 6,000MT of Basmati from Pakistan.
The decision was announced at today's (13) Cabinet briefing, attended by co- cabinet spokesmen - Keheliya Rambukwella and Ramesh Pathirana as well as DG of the Department of Government Information - Nalaka Kaluwewa.
The stock is to be imported under the Pakistan - Sri Lanka FTA.
The government had earlier defended the move to import rice by stating it was to ensure the stability of rice stocks in the country.
Therefore, ministers were questioned as to why the Basmati variety was to be imported as the variety is only used by the majority of the general public for special or festive occasions due to its high price.
Minister Keheliya said that enabling consumers to buy Basmati would reduce the demand of other varieties.
(Mirror)