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The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) has raised concerns over an alleged conspiracy within Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance to lift the current restrictions on palm oil imports. Ranjith Withanage, Chairman of the NMCRP, issued a statement claiming that certain ministry officials are attempting to mislead President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Finance Minister, and the Cabinet of Ministers to facilitate the resumption of imports.
Withanage has called for the President's immediate intervention to uphold the existing ban, citing critical concerns regarding consumer health and food safety. He noted that the restrictions were first implemented in 2021 following recommendations from an expert panel. The primary objective of the policy was to protect public health and ensure the integrity of the national food supply.
The consumer rights activist highlighted that although the government that took office two years ago maintained the status quo, recent developments suggest a shift in policy. Withanage alleged that a group of officials is now pushing to reverse these measures through a specific budget proposal. The NMCRP maintains that any move to lift the ban would compromise the health standards established by the 2021 directive.
Source: Island.lk