It was reported in the media recently that pests have damaged paddy stocks purchased by Cooperative Societies during the Maha season from the Polonnaruwa District. Taking cognizance of this report, Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake informed the Polonnaruwa District Secretary and the Food Security Ministry to submit an immediate report in this context. Accordingly the report was submitted yesterday.

The report has pointed out that none of the paddy stocks concerned have been damaged by pests. Paddy purchased from the Polonnaruwa District during the Maha Season have been stocked at Aralaganwila, Weragama and Aluthwala.

Accordingly issuing a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that pests had not damaged these paddy stocks purchased by Cooperative Societies of the Polonnaruwa District.