On 10 April 2020, the State-run Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) announced the new Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) for rice that entered into force with immediate effect. MRPs are set by the Government to protect consumers from food price hikes. The MRP for raw rice was set at LKR 85 per kg, the MRP for both Nadu and Samba rice at LKR 90 per kg, while the MRP for Keeri Samba at LKR 125 per kg. Control prices for vegetables were also set on 27 March 2020. In addition, on 10 April, the Government declared rice mills an essential service to ensure market availabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, which as a result will remain operative during the quarantine period.