COLOMBO: In the run-up to the National New Year, crisis-torn Sri Lanka welcomed a cargo of 11,000 MT of rice delivered under the USD1 billion concessional Indian Credit Facility.
After delivering 5000 MT over the last few days, Tuesday's cargo is part of a total of 40,000 MT that the State Trading Corporation will import from India under the Credit Facility Agreement signed on March 17, 2022 between the Government of Sri Lanka and the State Bank of India.
"The supply is part of India's multi-pronged support extended to Sri Lanka in recent months, which includes timely fuel supply, other forms of economic and forex support, and so on," the Indian High Commission in Colombo said, adding that the rice was delivered less than a month after the agreement was signed.
"India's help for Sri Lanka's energy and food security is in keeping with the understandings reached over India's support for the Sinhala and Tamil New Years." Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, visited Sri Lanka in March and offered help.
Faced with a severe food crisis as a result of economic disaster and agricultural "mistakes," President Gotabaya Rajapaksa banned the use of all chemical fertilisers in May 2021, as well as suspending imports. The hasty prohibition, which came without a strategy for a good alternative, enraged farmers, who took to the streets in droves until the decision was overturned in November 2021.
Rajapaksa's decision to restrict artificial fertiliser for health and environmental concerns wreaked havoc on the country's agriculture, resulting in a 40% decline in crop production, particularly rice. The measure also prevented farmers from harvesting paddy, which is associated with the national New Year’s ritual.
S. Korean President-elect Yoon to pay visit to ex-President Park
Indonesian parliament passed a bill dealing with sexual violence
Tehran seeks protection of its diplomatic missions in Afghanistan