The Industry and Commerce Ministry has decided to import 200,000 MT of rice immediately, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday said.
The ministry will call for an international tender in this regard and the stock of rice would reach Sri Lanka by the end of November.
The Ministry has called for tender for 90, 000 MT of Naadu, 60,000 MT of Samba and 50,000 MT of White Kekulu rice.
The rice will be imported from India, Pakistan, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Bangladesh and bids will be called for from other countries as well until October 31.
A special tender committee comprising the Secretaries to the Finance Ministry and the Industry and Commerce Ministry will call for tenders.