June 29, Colombo (LNW): In response to a growing scarcity of salt within the local market, a parliamentary committee has endorsed a set of newly gazetted import regulations, permitting the importation of both raw non-iodised salt and iodised edible salt—whether in powdered or crystalline form—for domestic and industrial purposes.
The regulatory framework, enacted under the provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act of 1969 and published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2437/04 on 19 June, was formally presented to Parliament two days earlier.
It was subsequently referred to the Committee on Public Finance, which convened on 24 June 2025 to examine and ultimately approve the proposed measures. The meeting was presided over by Dr Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament.
The move to ease salt import restrictions is aimed at addressing pressing supply constraints that have disrupted household consumption and certain manufacturing processes reliant on consistent salt availability. The Parliamentary Communications Department confirmed the committee’s support, noting the urgent need to stabilise market conditions.
Beyond the issue of salt imports, the committee also delved into broader economic concerns, particularly those affecting the automobile sector. Representatives from the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) and other stakeholders participated in extended discussions regarding the ongoing challenges surrounding vehicle importation.
A key area of focus was the taxation structure applied to motor vehicles, especially the mechanisms used to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) on unregistered and low-mileage imports. Questions were raised about the fairness and efficiency of current tax practices, and whether they align with principles of equitable revenue collection.
The meeting saw the participation of several prominent Members of Parliament, including Ravi Karunanayake, Dr (Ms) Kaushalya Ariyarathne, and Harshana Rajakaruna. Legal insight was also contributed by Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, who joined the session remotely via video conferencing.
