The worsening multiple economic crises have forced over 900 mills to shut, whilst also warning that rice can only be produced for another two weeks with the remaining paddy stocks.

The Small and Medium Mill Owners Association of Anuradhapura pointed out that from over 1,000 mills, at present only 70 of them are operating, following the multiple crises that they had to face. 

Given the shortages, the stakeholders called on the Government to stop the use of rice for the beer production process, adding that feeding people ahead of a crisis was more important.

They also feared transportation of rice, pointing out that there are possibilities of getting the stocks looted on the way. 

It was also emphasised that the rice mill owners are currently unable to repay their bank loans following the multiple crises faced by the agriculture sector.

They stressed the need to give a grace period to repay loans immediately. 

“If the Government does not intervene and provide an extended period to repay loans, the mill owners are definitely not in a position to settle the dues,” they explained.

 

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