Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti announced in Parliament that the recent salt shortage in the country has been effectively resolved. Addressing Parliament on May 22, the Minister dismissed claims made by several Opposition members, asserting that there is no cause for public concern.
Minister Handunnetti explained that, following a Cabinet decision, sufficient salt stocks have now arrived at the port through imports. He assured the public that these stocks will be distributed to the market in the coming days, eliminating any risk of continued shortages.
“The public should not fear a salt shortage to the extent the Opposition suggests. We have taken all necessary steps to address the situation,” he stated, adding that both he and Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe accept full responsibility for resolving the issue.
However, Opposition MP Rauff Hakeem of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) raised concerns about the existence of a so-called “salt mafia” in the country. Speaking in Parliament, Hakeem urged the Government to investigate individuals he alleges are manipulating the market.
“Certain individuals with stakes in the Puttalam Salt Company are also serving on its Board of Directors,” he said. “We are concerned whether salt from the Puttalam Saltern is being withheld deliberately to create an artificial shortage and drive up prices.”
Minister Handunnetti did not directly address the alleged monopoly but reiterated that there is no current shortage and warned against panic, suggesting the Opposition might benefit from public unrest.
