News
Govt considers maize imports to stabilize prices and meet demand
By Chaminda Silva
The government is considering maize imports to meet the growing demand for animal feed production and other industries, Minister of Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha said.Speaking at a meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation held at the Parliamentary complex, the Minister said that Sri Lanka had imported approximately 275,000 metric tons of maize for animal feed between 2024 and January 31, 2025.
However, officials informed the committee that the country’s annual maize requirement stands at 600,000 metric tons, which cannot be fulfilled through local production alone.
The Minister raised concerns over maize hoarding by certain traders, who have been stockpiling locally produced maize by purchasing it at Rs. 130-140 per kilo, with the intent to sell it at Rs. 200 per kilo during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. Animal feed manufacturers warned that such market manipulation could drive up the prices of eggs and poultry.
To counteract these practices and regulate prices, the government is considering resuming maize imports as a price stabilization measure, a move welcomed by maize-related producers. The Advisory Committee also stressed the importance of ensuring import opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses if imports proceed.
Discussions at the Food Policy and Security Committee focused on increasing the maize cultivation area to 20,000 hectares and granting approval for maize imports after April 1, specifically for animal feed production. Additionally, attention was drawn to existing irrigation challenges in the country, with the committee chairperson emphasizing that special attention will be paid to resolving irrigation issues in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Ministers, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, MPs including Committee Members, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation were present at this meeting.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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