Sri Lanka, Aug. 15 -- Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, claims that certain groups are attempting to artificially create a shortage of 'Keeri Samba' raw rice in the country.

Speaking after a ceremony held in the Anuradhapura area, the Minister said that while there is no general shortage of rice in the market, there is a concern specifically regarding the 'Keeri Samba' variety.

"If there is any issue in the rice market at present, it is only the shortage of Keeri Samba. Therefore, if we decide to import, it will be limited to a substitute variety for Keeri Samba. No final decision has been made yet, as the Yala season is now coming to an end," he said.

The Minister explained...