The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) has alleged that certain Finance Ministry officials are attempting to remove restrictions on palm oil imports by misleading the President and the Cabinet.
NMCRP President Ranjith Withanage has urged the President to intervene and prevent the move, citing concerns over consumer health and food safety.
Withanage said restrictions on palm oil imports were introduced in 2021 following recommendations by an expert panel to safeguard public health. He said the government elected two years ago had continued to maintain the existing policy.
However, he alleged that certain Finance Ministry officials were now seeking to reverse the policy through a budget proposal that would allow palm oil imports to resume.
The NMCRP had previously sent a letter to Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe urging him not to lift the existing restrictions on palm oil imports. The letter reportedly highlighted concerns about consumer safety and called for the policy to remain in place.
The organisation has now called on the President to intervene and ensure that the restrictions are not removed.