Traces of heavy metal have been detected from 05 out of 06 Ponni Samba rice samples from India.

The samples were tested ahead of importing 50,000 MT of Ponni Samba rice from India as a solution to the prevailing Keeri Samba shortage in the local market.

The rice was to be imported via a state owned institution. However, speaking with ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’, a bigwig in the Agriculture Ministry has said that the discovery has raised suspicions of a farce, as the Trade Ministry, led by the minister himself, is now pushing to import the rice through the private sector.

Initially, the trade minister – Nalin Fernando had sought cabinet approval to import 300,000 MT of Ponni Samba rice to ease the shortage, but the Agriculture Minister – Mahinda Amaraweera had firmly stated that the imported stock should be no more than 50,000 MT.

Meanwhile, allegations are raised that the Trade Ministry is also behind the increase in the prices of eggs and big onions.