The ongoing salt shortage and soaring prices across various regions of Sri Lanka are expected to persist until the first consignment of 20,000 metric tons of salt from India arrives next week, reliable sources said.
Both the National Salt Corporation and Lanka Salt Ltd. have collectively ordered 30,000 metric tons of salt from India. Lanka Salt Chairman D. Nandanathilaka stated that once the shipment arrives, the company plans to release 200,000 packets (each 400g) of table salt to the market daily.
He added that from existing stocks, 100,000 packets of 400g table salt were distributed through Sathosa yesterday and today (15).
Interestingly, just two months ago, Minister Sunil Handunnetti publicly declared a policy to stop salt imports—a statement now being criticized by opposition parties following the supply crisis.
Due to the government’s failure to forecast and mitigate the shortage, salt prices have surged to Rs. 450–600 per kilogram in the black market. The Consumer Affairs Authority is currently conducting raids to crack down on traders selling salt above the controlled price.
