Sri Lanka, April 3 -- The Government of Sri Lanka has issued a Gazette notification to address the looming shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba rice by authorizing the immediate importation of specific substitute varieties.

Under the "Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 03 of 2026," the Ministry of Finance has relaxed import restrictions to stabilize the local market and ensure food security for consumers.

According to Gazette No. 2482/12, issued by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, importers are now permitted to bring in GR 11 rice.

This includes varieties such as Ponni Samba and Kiri/Paal Ponni rice, which have been officially recognized as suitable substitutes for the popula...