Govt. struggles with shortages in stock and data
- CNL Reporter
- January 24, 2025
- Political, Travel and Tourism
- Govt. struggles with shortages in stock and data
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Amidst several contradictory statements coming from the NPP government ministers over the ongoing rice shortage in the country, it has come to light that the government finds itself in a quandary since it has no accurate data on last year’s paddy production.
As conflicting reports are put forward by the agricultural authorities, the government is grappling with inaccurate data on the amount of paddy produced last year with the agricultural authorities presenting disputed information. It transpired during the parliamentary proceedings yesterday.
The Public Finance Committee of Parliament discussed the matter in the presence of officials from the Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday.
Referring to what transpired at the meeting, its chairman Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said, “We experienced something bizarre at the meeting. We inquired about the amount of paddy produced last year, and the expected harvest for this year. Based on such data only, we issue regulations on imports. According to them, 4.39 million tonnes of paddy have been produced in the country in the 2024 Maha season. I, despite being an MP from Colombo, disputed the figure. It is normally more than two million tonnes,” Harsha said.
“The Agriculture Director persisted with his position, though. How can Parliament take a decision even without proper facts and figures?” Harsha asked.
Then, he said the figure quoted included the harvests for both Yala and Maha seasons of 2024.
He said though officials estimated annual paddy production at five million tonnes, verification with the Research Division of the House proved otherwise bar 2000/2001.
Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe admitted that 4.39 million tonnes of paddy had not been produced last year.
