Srilanka, June 30 -- Agriculture, Lands, Irrigation and Livestock Minister, K. D. Lalkantha said the Government will no longer permit the use of locally produced rice to make alcoholic beverages, and will instead allow rice imports specifically for that purpose.

Speaking to the media following a discussion at the Animal Production and Health Department in Gannoruwa, the Minister explained that a structured distribution system will be established through Sathosa warehouses to ensure that imported rice intended for alcohol production does not enter the local consumer market.

He noted that due to adverse weather conditions, the expected harvest from the recent Maha Season could not be achieved.

"We will not allow this situation to become...