Editorial photo #11953137 Economy, Business and Finance
Red Rice Shortage In Sri Lanka
A customer 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 2025 Thai Pongal celebrations. Sri Lanka currently 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)
