250 Metric Tons Of Salt To Arrive as Sri Lanka Eases Import Rules

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government has issued a gazette notification permitting the importation of salt without a license until June 10, 2025. 

This move comes as part of a temporary relaxation of import restrictions to ensure adequate domestic supply.

According to Import and Export Controller General Upulmalee Premathilaka, the gazette allows any importer with recommendations from the Ministry of Health to bring in salt without the need for a special import license. 

This includes both non-iodized and edible salt varieties.

The decision follows Cabinet approval granted on May 15 to ease import controls specifically for salt, in response to rising demand and potential shortages.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development said that 250 metric tons of salt are scheduled to be imported today. 

Additional shipments are expected to arrive on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. The salt is being sourced from India.