The Lanka Salt Company in Hambantota has announced an increase in salt prices, citing the rising cost of imported salt as the primary reason for the hike.
According to the company, the price of a 400-gram packet of salt powder has risen by Rs. 20, from Rs. 100 to Rs. 120, while the price of a one-kilogram packet of crystal salt has increased by Rs. 60, from Rs. 120 to Rs. 180. However, officials clarified that this price adjustment is a temporary measure.
Sri Lanka’s annual salt demand is approximately 20,000 metric tons, but adverse weather conditions in the last quarter of the previous year caused a decline in local production. In response, the government approved the temporary importation of 12,000 metric tons of salt from India to address the shortfall.
Despite these imports, the State Trading Corporation has assured that relying on foreign salt will not be a long-term solution. Local salt production is expected to resume at the Hambantota Salt Works by March, stabilizing domestic supply.
The Hambantota Salt Company has also assured that prices will be reduced once the new harvest becomes available. Currently, the Hambantota Salt Works accounts for 50% of the country’s salt production, while the Paranthan and Puttalam Salt Works also contribute significantly to the national supply.
