The Government of Sri Lanka will open tenders tomorrow (03) for the import of 30,000 metric tonnes of salt to address the ongoing shortage in the market.
The imports will occur in two phases, with the first phase covering 20,000 metric tonnes, followed by an additional 10,000 metric tonnes in the second phase. Tenders for the initial phase will be opened starting tomorrow.
The Ministry of Industries will oversee the distribution of the imported salt, ensuring it is used exclusively for industrial purposes.
On December 19, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the importation of up to 30,000 metric tonnes of non-iodized salt through the State Trading Corporation to combat the shortage.
In response to public concerns, T. Nandana Thilaka, Chairman of Lanka Salt Company in Hambantota, urged citizens to refrain from panic-buying and hoarding, reassuring that the company holds 6,000 metric tonnes of salt in stock, sufficient to meet demand until January.
Additionally, development activities for the Jaffna salt pans are set to commence by mid-January, with production expected to begin by March 2025.
The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development recently investigated a 40% decline in local salt production over the past two years, attributing the drop to adverse weather conditions. This decrease has already affected the availability of salt in the local market.
