No rice for Pongal – Protesters
Traders in the towns of Akkarapatha and Mannarasi staged a protest demanding that the government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake take immediate action to resolve the rice shortage.
The protest was organized by traders in Akkarapatha and Mannarasi. In this, traders in the town and the public participated, carrying slogans and engaged in protest activities.
The protesters said that the controlled prices imposed on rice have hindered the proper sale of rice to consumers and small traders are facing great hardship.
This year, there is a need for rice varieties such as red rice in particular for Thai Pongal. However, there is currently a shortage of rice. Rice is available only at the controlled price, and if it is exceeded, the authorities will take action.
Transportation costs and freight charges increase when rice is brought to this area from Colombo
Due to this, the protesters demanded that the controlled price be removed and the government take immediate action to resolve the rice shortage.
