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Red Rice Shortage In Sri Lanka

A laborer arranges sacks of rice bags next to the rice shop 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 (2025) 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 ID	#11953136
Date Taken	17 January 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Akila Jayawardena/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Akila Jayawardena/NurPhoto

Labour rice bags rice shop 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 distribution elections shortage supply rice distribution 20 kilograms per person impact essential ingredient previous government Akila Jayawardena NurPhoto.