The first consignment of rice from India is expected to arrive over the weekend

The first stock of 40,000 metric tonnes of rice imported under the USD 1 billion credit line with India is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend, according to the Trade Ministry.

Issuing a statement, the ministry said the consignment will include Nadu, Samba and Kakulu rice varieties and will be released from the port as soon as possible after reaching the country and subsequently distributed to Lanka Sathosa outlets across the island.

The ongoing Lines of Credit (LOCs) that India has extended to crisis-hit Sri Lanka for procurement of fuel and food have currently totalled USD 1.5 billion and the consignments will further continue, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay had said on Tuesday.

The USD 1 billion line of credit to Colombo will help in keeping their food prices and fuel costs under check. The first consignment of rice from India is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly under this credit facility.