December 03, 2025
Two Gazette Notifications Issued Under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, a Gazette Issued Under the Public Debt Management Act, and the Supplementary Estimates for 2025 Reviewed by the Committee on Public Finance
“How successful is the use of imported Ponni Samba as a substitute for Keeri Samba?” – Committee questions officialsThe Committee on Public Finance recently reviewed two Gazette notifications issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, a Gazette issued under the Public Debt Management Act, and the supplementary estimates for the year 2025. The Committee met on the 27th November, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva.Following extensive consideration, the Committee granted approval for the regulations published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2458/43 dated 15th October 2025, issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969. Officials informed the Committee that these regulations permitted the importation of rice from 15th October to 28th October 2025, as a temporary measure to address the shortage of Keeri Samba rice in the market. They further stated that 64,000 metric tons of Ponni Samba rice had been imported from India as a substitute for Keeri Samba.However, the Committee inquired why the market price of Keeri Samba rice remained high despite these imports. It was pointed out that the use of Ponni Samba as a substitute for Keeri Samba had not been successful. The Committee also noted that although a controlled price had been imposed, large-scale mill owners were issuing fraudulent invoices and selling Keeri Samba at higher prices, and stressed that immediate intervention is necessary to stop this practice.The Committee questioned officials from the Ministry of Agriculture regarding annual rice demand, production volumes, and costs of production, and highlighted the serious issue of the absence of accurate, up-to-date data.Meanwhile, the Committee also extensively reviewed the regulations published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2459/46 dated 24th October 2025, issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969, relating to vehicle imports. Officials stated that certain motor vehicles had been held by Sri Lanka Customs for non-compliance with Regulation No. 5 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 2 of 2013, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1804/17 dated 3 April 2013, which sets out conditions for the importation of vehicles. A court case concerning this matter is currently ongoing.Officials explained that, based on the conditions agreed upon by the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Department, and following discussions with relevant parties, these new regulations were issued to facilitate the settlement reached before the Court. The Committee emphasised that the Attorney General’s Department must submit the agreement in writing to the Committee. Officials were informed that the Committee would consider granting approval thereafter.The Committee also reviewed the Orders published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2459/52 dated 24th October 2025, issued under the Public Debt Management Act No. 33 of 2024. Under the powers vested in the Minister of Finance by Sections 35 and 31(7) of the Act, these Orders seek to delegate authority to the Public Debt Management Office to engage, without legal impediment, with primary dealers and other designated market participants. Following extensive review, the Committee granted approval for these Orders.Additionally, after detailed consideration, the Committee approved the submission to Parliament of two supplementary estimates amounting to Rs. 31.5 billion and Rs. 18.5 billion for the year 2025.Hon. Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne; Hon. Members of Parliament Rauff Hakeem, Ravi Karunanayake, Nimal Palihena, Chithral Fernando, Wijesiri Basnayake, Sunil Rajapaksha, Thilina Samarakoon, Champika Hettiarachchi and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra, along with several officials attended the Committee meeting.
