Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has instructed the officials to immediately resolve the crisis that has prevented the release of corn seeds imported from India to the farmers.
The Prime Minister has made these instructions at the National Steering Committee to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was convened yesterday (13) at Temple Trees.
Earlier, the distribution of imported corn stock was suspended due to the presence of aflatoxin but Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that it was simply a rumour.
The Prime Minister has further emphasized that if there is any ban on the release of the seeds needed by the farmers, the President or himself should have been informed. He also said they should be informed about which international standard was used to conduct tests before delaying the release of the seeds.
Speaking about social security included in the sustainable development goals, the Prime Minister pointed out that long-term continuation of court cases regarding minor matters is a serious problem faced by thousands of people across the country.
He also said that the government officials should be informed about the programmes to achieve development goals without limiting themselves to circulars.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Sarat Dash, who joined the discussion, said that USD 385 million is expected to be spent to achieve sustainable development goals of Sri Lanka between 2023 and 2027.
Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation – K.D. Lal Kantha has announced that the government has decided to import 300,000 MT of maize.
Speaking to the media after attending a District Development Committee meeting at the Kandy District Secretariat yesterday (July 03), the Minister explained that this decision was taken to prevent traders from artificially inflating maize prices.
He stated that certain large and medium-scale businesses dealing with animal feed have been hoarding maize, buying it from farmers at fair prices and reselling it at much higher rates.
According to the Minister, these traders were trying to push maize prices up to Rs.190-200 per kilogram, which would have driven up the cost of eggs to Rs.200 each and increased meat prices significantly.
The Minister emphasized that while businesses are entitled to make a profit, the government will not allow unfair price manipulation. He also noted that, in the past, even ministers profited from animal products, but those days have ended and racketeers will not be allowed to control the market.
To prevent excessive price drops that could hurt farmers, the Food Security Committee has proposed imposing a tax on imported maize, he said.
Sri Lanka Customs has refuted social media claims alleging the imposition of a new tax on small parcel imports.
Addressing the media, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director Seevali Arukgoda emphasized that no new taxes have been introduced, nor are there any disruptions to the clearance of imported goods.
“We are not increasing tax rates… we are simply ensuring duties are calculated correctly,” he said. “The previous system allowed for significant undervaluation and misuse. Now, we are enforcing the existing laws more transparently.”
He explained that duties are now calculated using the globally accepted Harmonized System (HS) Code, which categorizes goods by type and value, replacing the older method of relying on parcel weight or flat rates that were often exploited.
Arukgoda further assured that no parcels are being withheld and reiterated that rates remain consistent with those approved by Parliament. The changes, he said, were implemented after adequate notice was given to courier services and importers — including a 1.5-month notice period and a 2-week transition phase.
He also noted that there is no requirement for recipients of online orders to visit Customs in person. Courier companies continue to handle delivery and clearance, he added.
