Sri Lanka, July 21 -- The import of nearly 100,000 metric tons of rice has severely disrupted the local rice market, reducing demand for domestically produced rice by around 60% and creating a crisis for farmers ahead of the 2026 Yala harvesting season, National Agrarians' Unity Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon claimed.

Addressing a media briefing, Tennakoon alleged that the volume of imported rice far exceeded the country's actual requirement, leaving warehouses belonging to small, medium and large-scale rice mill owners filled with unsold stocks.

He warned that the situation could significantly affect paddy purchases during the upcoming Yala season, placing thousands of farmers at risk.

Tennakoon said the expected paddy harvest for the 2...