Proposal Submitted to Import Salt Following Production Setbacks

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Private Companies have submitted a proposal to the government requesting permission to import salt, citing challenges in domestic production. 

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, confirmed that the request stems from practical issues affecting local salt production.

A final decision will be made after consultations with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

R.M. Gunaratne, General Manager of Lanka Salt Limited, stated that the country currently holds a reserve of 12 metric tons of salt, enough to meet consumption needs for the next two months.

However, he explained that salt production has decreased due to adverse weather conditions and expressed concerns about further disruptions in the coming months.

To reduce the risk of a potential shortage, Gunaratne said he had requested government permission to import salt. 

While there are adequate stocks for now, he noted that some traders have increased prices, citing fears of a salt shortage.

The final decision on the import request will follow further discussions with the relevant authorities.