Consumer group claims Finance Ministry officials pushing to ease palm oil import curbs

The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) has alleged that officials within the Finance Ministry are working to lift long-standing restrictions on palm oil imports, potentially circumventing established policy safeguards.

NMCRP President Ranjith Withanage has called on the President to intervene and block the proposed move, arguing that removing import restrictions could pose risks to consumer health and domestic food safety standards. Withanage contended that the officials in question have been providing misleading advice to senior government decision-makers regarding the matter.

The allegation raises questions about the balance between trade policy considerations and consumer protection measures in Sri Lanka's regulatory framework. Palm oil imports have been subject to restrictions as part of broader government policy aimed at protecting local agricultural interests and addressing health concerns associated with the commodity.

The consumer rights group's intervention signals growing vigilance among civil society organizations over policy decisions that could affect the availability and pricing of edible oils in the domestic market. It remains unclear whether the government has responded to the NMCRP's allegations or whether any formal review of the import restrictions is underway.