Editorial photo #11953135 Economy, Business and Finance

Red Rice Shortage In Sri Lanka

A laborer carries a few sacks of rice bags near Colombo, Sri Lanka, on January 17, 2025. The ongoing red rice shortage has a particular impact on the Hindu community, which struggles to obtain the essential ingredient for this year's Thai Pongal celebrations. Sri Lanka faces a notable shortage of red rice, a staple with significant cultural and dietary importance, particularly in the Northern and Southern provinces. This shortage is attributed to a combination of factors, including supply chain disruptions, changes in agricultural practices, and previous government policies. Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe points to the previous government's distribution of 20 kilograms of rice per person ahead of elections as a key factor exacerbating the current shortage. (Photo by Akila Jayawardena/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #11953135
Date taken: 17 January 2025
Location: —
Photographer: Akila Jayawardena/NurPhoto
Category: Economy, Business and Finance

Related keywords

Labour sacks rice bags Colombo Sri Lanka January 17 2025 red rice shortage Hindu community Thai Pongal celebrations staple cultural importance dietary importance Northern provinces Southern provinces supply chain disruptions agricultural practices government policies Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe previous government rice distribution elections shortage Akila Jayawardena NurPhoto impact essential ingredient combination of factors notable shortage Sri Lanka.