Four warehouses belonging to a leading food importer in Nugegoda were sealed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on Wednesday (03), following a sudden raid that uncovered serious violations of consumer protection laws. 

According to the CAA, the warehouses, located on Pagoda Road, were supplying bulk food products to hotels and markets across the island.

Investigations revealed that the stock included dairy items such as cheese and butter, chocolate and cocoa powder, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, meat products, and raw materials used in bakery production. 

Officials found that many of these products carried no importer information, while others had been repackaged into different containers without retaining crucial details such as manufacturing and expiry dates. A stock of expired goods prepared for distribution was also discovered.

The CAA warned that these illegal practices posed a grave risk to public health and consumer safety. Comprehensive investigations have already commenced, and strict legal action is expected against the business establishment and suspects under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.

They urged consumers, food manufacturers, and hotel owners to pay close attention to product labels, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and importer details when purchasing food items. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has imported more than 220,000 vehicles so far this year, generating Rs. 587.11 billion in customs revenue, the single largest contributor to state earnings from imports in 2025, officials told Parliament’s Committee on Ways and Means.

According to data presented to the Committee, chaired by MP Wijesiri Basnayake, 55,447 motor cars, 7,331 goods transport vehicles, 142,524 motorcycles, 15,035 three-wheelers, and 1,679 passenger buses and vans had been cleared through Customs as of October 14.

Officials said revenue from vehicle imports accounted for 37% of total customs earnings this year, helping the department exceed its annual revenue target well ahead of schedule. By September 30, Customs had collected Rs. 1,737 billion, achieving 117% of its expected target of Rs. 1,485 billion.

The Committee was also informed that a digital e-tendering system would soon be introduced for auctioning confiscated goods, a move expected to improve transparency and efficiency in customs operations. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Salt Producers Association (SLSPA) states that currently, 400 containers, comprising nearly 28,000 metric tons of imported salt, are stuck at the Colombo Port without clearance. 

National Organizer of the Association, Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda, told the media that due to the recent salt shortage in Sri Lanka, the association intervened to import salt from India. 

He said, however, 400 containers with imported salt have been stuck at the Colombo Port for over 45 days. 

“The issue has arisen due to issues stemming from the Bill of Lading date. There are around 28,000 metric tons in one container. The primary fault is with the shipping company,” he said. 

Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda further said that, as businesses that pay their due taxes, they expect a concession from the government in this regard. 

“As a solution to this issue, the Finance Ministry or the Health Ministry must intervene and release the load. The benefit is for consumers, as we intend to sell the imported salt for a reasonable price,” he said. 

Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda also revealed that despite several requests being made from the authorities for a discussion on the matter, they have yet to receive any response in this regard. 

Sri Lanka opted to import salt after a significant decline in local salt production was reported due to various reasons, including the impact of weather. 

As such, the government opted to import salt from India, with two batches having arrived at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says that vehicle imports alone have generated Rs. 165 billion in revenue since imports resumed earlier this year.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, stated that the department is on track to exceed this year’s revenue target of Rs. 2,115 billion.

“In 2024, our target was Rs. 1,533 billion, and we ended the year with Rs. 1,535 billion in revenue. This year, by mid-June, we’ve already earned over Rs. 900 billion,” he said.

Arukgoda revealed that, since the government allowed motor vehicle imports from 01 February 2025, around 14,000 vehicles have been brought in, generating Rs. 165 billion in revenue. 

“We expect this figure to reach Rs. 450 billion by the end of the year,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) says over 73,400 vehicles have been registered since January this year following the removal of vehicle import restrictions.

DMT Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe noted that the largest number of these vehicles were motorcycles, with around 58,947 being registered.

He further said that, in addition, 7,500 cars and 1,666 three-wheelers have also been registered.

Kamal Amarasinghe pointed out that the highest number of registrations took place last month. (Newswire)

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Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena says Sri Lanka must prioritize purchasing from and protecting its local manufacturers, instead of relying solely on financial profits and imports.

He made the remark during a recent meeting held at the Ministry of Science and Technology, convened to facilitate an open exchange of views between traditional brass manufacturers and government officials. 

The event marked the second phase of a collective initiative aimed at revitalizing the traditional brass industry. This program was launched following a commitment made by Minister Abeysena to industrialists in the Kurukulawa South area of Wattala. 

The Minister pledged to implement a coordinated effort to revive the local brass industry and provide the necessary technical support to enhance its quality and competitiveness.

As an initial step, a team of officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) carried out a technical observation visit to the area. The meeting then focused on planning future actions based on the findings of that field visit.

“While it is possible to import goods similar to those produced locally at a cheaper cost, our focus should not be purely on financial gain. We must prioritize the purchase of locally made products whenever possible and ensure the survival and growth of those industries. This includes providing technical guidance to reduce production costs, introducing modern manufacturing technologies, supporting the creation of high-quality and attractively finished value-added products that can compete globally, and facilitating access to modern equipment. This program is a step in that direction,” Minister Abeysena said.

During the discussion, local industrialists presented several requests to protect and strengthen the brass industry. These included securing raw materials at concessional rates through the Ministry of Industries and imposing limits on the large-scale export of such materials.

In response, government officials acknowledged these concerns and affirmed that the collective program would serve as a platform to find constructive solutions. They encouraged the industrialists to submit a formal report to the Ministry of Industries outlining their demands. The officials assured their continued support to uplift the traditional brass industry by addressing key challenges through the coordinated efforts of the Ministries of Industry, Science and Technology, Finance, and their affiliated institutions.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mohomed Navavi, along with officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industries, Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board, National Enterprise Development Authority, National Crafts Council, NERD Centre, Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, and other stakeholders. (Newswire)

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The National Salt Company says that the arrival of a stock of imported salt to Sri Lanka may be delayed by a few more days due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

A shipment of salt imported from India, as a solution to the current salt shortage, was scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka last night (21 May).

A stock of 3,050 metric tons of salt, including 250 metric tons of salt imported from the private sector and 2,800 metric tons of salt imported by the National Salt Company, was to arrive in the country. 

The National Salt Company stated that, however, the salt stock may be delayed for a few days due to adverse weather conditions.

Stating that salt will continue to be imported thereafter, the company added that this will alleviate the salt shortage in the market. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Finance has issued a new Gazette notification removing several restrictions on the import of vehicles.

The Gazette notification has been issued, signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, effective from 29 April 2025.

As such, it will be possible to release several types of cars that are at the port and were unable to be cleared after being imported.

Commenting on the situation, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Vehicle Importers’ Association, Prasad Manage, revealed they have been unable to clear these imported vehicles over the last one and a half to two months. 

He further said that the new Gazette will now enable the release of hybrid models, such as the Toyota Raize and the Nissan X-TRAIL. 

Prasad Manage further said that approval for clearance has also been granted for other hybrid vehicles using similar technology. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha says he was offered bribes by importers of Maize.

Addressing an event, Minister Lal Kantha said some individuals had met him in the last four months, requesting to allow the importation of maize.

“Within these last four months, some people came to meet me. They requested that I allow the importation of maize. They said they will pay me such and such amounts,” he revealed.

Minister Lal Kantha said the government has proven it has completely rid corruption from politics.

He further said that, however, corruption was rife in the public services, adding, “Once that is also addressed, our work is done. Close.” (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has held a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development focused on enhancing the efficiency, integration and development of the manufacturing sector to strengthen the national economy.

The meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today (14 Mar), also addressed the challenges associated with these efforts.

Key topics included government-led initial investments and proper regulation to empower small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, the establishment of local small-scale industries within investment zones and challenges related to business loans faced by small and medium-scale enterprises.

During the meeting, President Dissanayake directed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the Ministry of Industry that have not been released so far.

Further discussions were held on maintaining and regulating import restrictions to strengthen local industries, prioritizing local suppliers in construction industry procurement and resolving issues in the gem and jewellery sector to ensure its full contribution to the national economy.

The President also instructed officials to swiftly implement tax exemptions for tourists to boost the gem and jewellery industry.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara and several other ministry officials attended the meeting. (Newswire)

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The first batch of imported salt, totalling 1,485 metric tons, arrived in Sri Lanka today, the State Trading Corporation (STC) announced.

The Cabinet of Ministers had recently approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of salt.

The move was to address the current shortage of salt in the local market due to challenges faced by local salterns during the recent monsoon season. 

As such, Cabinet approval has been granted for the import of salt from India until 28 February 2025. 

Meanwhile, providing an update on the salt imports last week, STC Chairman Ravindra Fernando said an additional 12,500 metric tons is expected by January 31. 

He further said that two importers have been authorized to import salt from India to meet the country’s demand. (Newswire)

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Importers in Sri Lanka allege they are being forced to face additional expenses exceeding Rs. 100 million, due to delays in releasing over 1,000 containers at the Colombo Port. 

Major importers state they are incurring costs of over Rs. 100,000 per container, with some facing expenses as high as Rs. 300,000, due to increased transportation charges, port delay fees, and additional staffing needs.

They further revealed that the delayed containers consist of essential food items, raw materials, and other critical goods.

They claimed that the delay in clearing the containers poses the risk of an increase in the prices of goods and that importers will be forced to pass the added costs to consumers. 

Pointing out that this financial burden was beyond their control, the importers alleged that the delays were caused due to inefficiencies at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)

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The stock of rice ordered by the government will be distributed through Lanka Sathosa and Cooperative outlets starting today, the State Trading Corporation announced.

State Trading Corporation Chairman, Ravindra Fernando said the first consignment containing 780 MT of Nadu rice has already arrived in the country.

He further said that from the first consignment, 200 MT of rice will be sold through Lanka Sathosa outlets.

Stating that another consignment of 5200 MT of rice was nearing the Colombo Port, he said steps would be taken to distribute it tomorrow. 

Ravindra Fernando added that tenders have been called and finalized for an additional order of 26,000 MT of rice.

Meanwhile, according to Sri Lanka Customs, 80,000 MT of rice ordered by the private sector have already been distributed to the local market. (Newswire)

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Essential food importers say over 10,000 metric tonnes of rice dispatched from the Thoothukudi Port in India has neared the Colombo Harbour, it was reported. 

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, over 20,000 metric tonnes of rice ordered from small ports by several importers is expected to reach Sri Lanka before 13 December 2024.

The rice importers further said that another 20,000 metric tonnes of rice already ordered is also expected to reach Colombo before the Christmas festival.

Stating that all necessary measures are underway to clear the imported rice nearing the Colombo Port, the importers added that steps will be taken for its immediate clearance and distribution to the local market.

The importers revealed that the imported rice stocks include various types of rice, including Nadu Rice. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal to allow the import of rice without permits, in order to address the current shortage of rice.

Addressing the media today, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that rice imports without permits will be allowed until 20 December 2024.

He further said that the decision has been taken after considering the shortage of rice, including Nadu, caused by adverse weather conditions, which has severely affected rice farmers. 

Minister Jayatissa also noted that the retail price of rice is mostly likely to remain unchanged, despite the importing of rice.

He said the focus of the government at present, is to ensure no shortage of rice in the country. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the country is not facing a rice shortage, despite reports of limited availability in certain markets. 

He clarified that while some outlets may experience stock issues, there is no nationwide shortage.

Speaking at a political rally in Polonnaruwa, President Dissanayake said that the government is open to cooperating with rice mill owners but warned that legal measures would be taken if they fail to cooperate.

He confirmed that rice imports would not be pursued, except to meet specific needs in the tourism sector.

The President urged farmers to utilize all available land for cultivation, with the government planning to purchase the harvested rice to support local production. (Newswire)

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The government hopes to commence vehicle imports from August under a special program that will not cause any issues to the country, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Addressing the Parliament today, State Minister Siyambalapitiya said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also been notified regarding the import of vehicles.

The IMF has been informed that after August vehicle imports will be commenced in a certain order.

It has been proposed that the imports be allowed for public transport services, alternatives used for other transport services, normal vehicles, and then luxury vehicles, the State Minister said.

He further said that the committee appointed in this regard convened on July 04 and is expected to submit their report to the Cabinet within a month or by the second week of August.

State Minister Siyambalapitiya said, accordingly, the government hopes there will be some special arrangement to restart vehicle imports without any problem.

He added that the government is looking forward to opening vehicle imports in a very appropriate way so that normal people can also import vehicles. (Newswire)

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has the ability to manage foreign reserves if the government gradually relaxes vehicle import restrictions, Governor of the Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday. 

Dr. Weerasinghe pointed out that the gradual easing of vehicle imports was an important decision.

He further expressed that the Central bank was confident it could manage foreign reserves with the systematic easing of vehicle imports.

Stating that the easing of vehicle imports was a government policy decision, Dr. Weerasinghe said that vehicle imports for certain sectors have been permitted by the authorities at present.

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe made the remarks while addressing the media yesterday.

Sri Lanka imposed a ban on vehicle imports following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021/2022 and continued with the decision due to the subsequent economic crisis faced by the nation. 

However, the government commenced providing exemptions to vehicle imports in phases from 2023 subject to conditions and based on the necessities of various sectors, such as health and tourism. (Newswire)

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No decision has been taken concerning the restrictions imposed on vehicle imports in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya informed Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 20). 

The State Minister of Finance said an import ban was imposed on nearly 2000 items due to the economic crisis, which helped revive Sri Lanka’s Foreign Exchange (Forex). 

He further stated that even though restrictions on the imports of certain items have been relaxed, the ban imposed on vehicle imports remains unchanged. 

State Minister Siyambalapitiya also revealed that a special committee is studying the current situation regarding vehicle imports, vehicle demand, fuel cost, and dollar reserves.

The committee is focussing on facts related to future vehicle imports, especially urgently required vehicles, and the current demand, he said. 

The State Minister of Finance also gave a clarification on the 29 vehicles that were recently permitted to be imported.

He revealed that 21 double cabs were imported for the Ministry of Health, 3 buses for the Education Ministry, one vehicle for the Labour Ministry, and three ramps for SriLankan Airlines. 

Out of the 29 vehicles that were imported, 26 were for projects dealing with foreign investments and were imported only after receiving foreign aid from the relevant institutions, he added. (NewsWire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved proposals to import maize, eggs, and rice similar to ‘Keeri Samba’. 

Accordingly, approval has been granted to import 15,000 Metric Tons of Maize through the State Trading Corporation. 

The importation is being done to fulfil the requirements for poultry feed production.

Meanwhile, approval has also been granted to import 50,000 Metric Tons of GR11 rice variety, which is similar to ‘Keeri Samba’.

The rice will be imported through the private sector to promote competition in the increase of rice prices.

Furthermore, approval was also granted for the import of eggs from Indian farms recommended by the Department of Animal Production and Health for the stabilization of egg prices in the local market.

The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has imported 155 million eggs as of now, while necessary measures have been taken to import another 18 million eggs before December 31, 2023. (NewsWire)

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