Sri Lanka re-imposes duty on wheat grain

The Sri Lankan government has re-imposed a duty of LKR10 (US$0.09) per kg on wheat grain imported into the country.

The government in November 2009 had waived this duty due to the shortage that prevailed for rice in the country at that time. As wheat flour is used in Sri Lanka as a substitute for rice, the government had taken this measure to bring down the demand for rice.

The government with the intention of protecting the farmers at a time when the harvest of Yala season are coming into the market has re-imposed this duty on wheat grain.

Sri Lanka imports only wheat grain and not flour.