The government has been urged to authorize the import of approximately 20,000 metric tons of salt to avert a looming shortage caused by recent adverse weather conditions.
Reports indicate that persistent rain and flooding have severely impacted local salt production, reducing output by nearly 50%. Salt pans in key regions, including Elephant Pass, Mannar, Hambantota, and Puttalam, have suffered extensive damage. In Puttalam alone, around 80% of the harvest has been destroyed.
Salt manufacturers have raised alarms about the dwindling supply, citing that the damage to infrastructure and production capabilities has significantly hampered their ability to meet domestic demand.
This shortage could affect households, food production, and various industries reliant on a steady supply of salt. Authorities are currently reviewing the import proposal to stabilize the market and ensure continued availability of this essential commodity.
