• Imports to SL continuing as normal 
• No significant obstructions arising from ongoing conflict
• Efforts being made to source supplies from Thailand

The Ministry of Trade has reassured the public that there is no shortage of imported items in the local market and that imports are continuing to flow in without major disruptions.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food, and Cooperative Development Secretary K.A. Vimalenthirarajah stated that imports to Sri Lanka were continuing as usual and that there had been no significant obstructions arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“So far, inflows have continued as normal, albeit with slight delays. However, we do not know what will happen in the future,” he stated.

He further pointed out that since most imports came from India, no major issues had been observed. However, he admitted that sprats, which are mainly imported from Dubai, had been affected by the Middle East conflict.

Elaborating on measures taken to address this shortage, Vimalenthirarajah stated that efforts were being made to source supplies from Thailand. He further noted that the Government could ensure that almost all items affected by the conflict were replaced through alternative sources, except for a few isolated items.

The Secretary added that the two companies importing wheat flour usually maintained a buffer stock of about three months, noting that therefore there was no immediate threat of a shortage.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business the previous week, Sri Lanka Customs Media Spokesperson and Director Chandana Punchihewa said that they had not observed a major decrease in container traffic handled by Customs. 

He added that, in fact, there were reports of a massive demand for warehouse space as many ships that were originally heading to the Middle East were now attempting to offload their goods in Sri Lanka, leading to port congestion.