A discussion on plans for purchasing paddy during the Yala cultivation season was held this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.During the discussion, the President pointed out that a key concern was the fact that paddy stocks purchased during last year’s Yala season had still not been released to the market in sufficient quantities. The President inquired into the measures already taken, as well as proposals being considered, to clear these stocks and free up storage facilities.The President also instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to allocate the necessary funds for the purchase of paddy during the current Yala season.

The condition of storage facilities at district level was also discussed. The President noted that similar issues could be avoided in the future by maintaining an accurate data system on warehouse conditions and buffer stocks and instructed officials to take the necessary steps in this regard.President Dissanayake further emphasized that maintaining adequate strategic paddy reserves is essential, particularly in view of potential climatic conditions and stated that this should not be treated as part of the routine process but rather as a matter requiring special attention.