Unions blame red tape as 400 salt containers remain uncleared at Colombo Port

Around 400 containers carrying approximately 28,000 metric tons of imported salt remain uncleared at the Colombo Port, the Sri Lanka Salt Producers’ Association said.

This consignment of salt intended for local packaging and distribution was imported after a sharp drop in domestic production earlier this year due to adverse weather.

The resulting shortage led to a noticeable increase in retail prices across the country.

While the government approved salt imports on two separate occasions to stabilise the market, the Salt Producers’ Association claims inefficiency and bureaucratic delays have prevented the consignments from being released.