Government Approves Additional Funds for Yala Paddy Procurement, Eyes Fair Prices

The Sri Lankan government has secured Cabinet approval for an additional Rs. 2.5 billion to purchase paddy harvested during the ongoing Yala season. This supplementary funding, bringing the total allocated for the season's procurement to Rs. 6 billion, aims to ensure stable market access and fair prices for farmers. The government is also exploring the use of the cooperative system for paddy procurement to prevent private sector monopolies and guarantee better returns for cultivators. While procurement is actively underway, harvesting operations are reportedly still ongoing in several key paddy-producing districts and Mahaweli zones. Officials have indicated that current purchase prices are fair, with plans for higher guaranteed prices in the upcoming Maha season.