Imported rice ends up as animal feed

Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando has revealed that about 30,000 tonnes of rice, imported to meet the shortfall in the market, have been used as animal feed.

The disclosure was made at the inaugural meet of the Food Security Committee, held at the Ministry yesterday (17).

Among those present were Secretaries to Ministries of Public Administration, Plantation Industries, Fisheries, and Agriculture and Sathosa Chairman.

Minister Fernando said that instead of utilising the USD 20 mn, allocated through the Indian credit line to purchase animal feed, imported rice had been wasted.

The government imported rice in terms of the Indian credit line offered in the wake of the foreign reserve crisis. In addition, both India and China provided large stocks of rice, this year, while the UN, on behalf of Sri Lanka, appealed for food aid.

Some of those who had been involved in this racket were identified by authorities. Container loads of rice had been directly moved from the Colombo harbour to certain godowns. (SF)