The Sri Lankan government has approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of salt following repeated requests from the country’s industries, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa announced.
The decision has sparked criticism against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, as Sri Lanka is surrounded by saltwater. However, Minister Jayatissa clarified that the country faces an annual salt shortage of 60,000 metric tons, making imports necessary to meet industrial demand.
“More than the domestic requirement, the priority was for the industrial sector, and the imports are mainly because of the industries,” Cabinet Spokesperson stated at the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo.
According to Minister, Sri Lanka requires approximately 180,000 metric tons of salt annually. While the country’s production capacity stands at 200,000 metric tons, adverse weather conditions have reduced output to 120,000 metric tons in recent years, leading to the current deficit.
“This deficiency of 60,000 metric tons includes both domestic and industrial use. Industrialists have continuously requested imports to address this shortfall, which is why the cabinet approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of salt,” he explained.
Of the approved imports, 4,050 metric tons will be purchased by state corporations, while the remainder will be acquired by private sector firms in coordination with the ministries of industries and trade.
Minister Jayatissa also noted that Sri Lanka has imported salt continuously from 2009 to 2018, underscoring the long-standing need for such measures.
