On 1 January 2024, the Government of Sri Lanka reduced the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) on rice imports for rice varieties under HS 1006.30.29. from LKR 65/kg (USD 0.2) to LKR 1/kg (USD 0.003), effective from 2 to 21 January 2024. The previous SCL of LKR 65/kg was imposed on 17 May 2023. This measure aims to increase rice imports to meet domestic rice shortages and to curb the rising rice prices. Prices of rice have increased since August 2023 and were at elevated level last December supported by below-average production in 2022 and 2023, as well as high production and transportation costs.