The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I respond to the question raised by Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna on 23.05.2025.

¶ 02 1. This is not in any way a planned repression targeting the Tamil people.

¶ 03 The brand name used for salt produced by the National Salt Company is “Raja Salt.” The Company’s objective is to secure the Sri Lankan market under a single brand. However, having considered other views—including those of Members representing the North such as Hon. Srikanthan who also spoke to me—the National Salt Company has decided to use a special brand name “Elephant Pass Salt” for salt produced at the Elephant Pass Saltern.

¶ 04 2. Post-pandemic, successful production was achieved in 2024. However, due to adverse weather with high rainfall, production of the Yala season at Elephant Pass Saltern declined. We expect to restore normalcy from the current season onward.

¶ 05 3. The allegation about politically driven managerial changes is false. The previous Manager of Elephant Pass Saltern resigned on 03.08.2024. Applications were promptly called to recruit a new Manager. A national election then intervened, causing some delay. Following the election period, considering the service need, a structured interview was held on 24.10.2024 in accordance with recruitment procedures and a suitable candidate was selected. There was no political interference; the approved recruitment process was followed.

¶ 06 Additionally, a structured interview was recently conducted to recruit a Deputy General Manager to act as Senior Manager for the Elephant Pass Saltern. An appointment will be made shortly.

¶ 07 As stated above, there has been no transfer in the managerial position at Elephant Pass Saltern. However, a group of workers there commenced a protest from 14.05.2025 based on several demands. Their primary demand was that salt produced at Elephant Pass not be distributed to other provinces. They obstructed management of the National Salt Company and attempted to remove the Manager. These demands are unacceptable. Production activities at the Elephant Pass Saltern are now proceeding normally.

¶ 08 Due to reduced output caused by recent adverse weather, Cabinet approval was granted on 24.03.2025 to import salt to meet consumption needs.

¶ 09 No worker has been notified of dismissal. On 16.05.2025, the General Manager and senior management of the National Salt Company held discussions with all protesting workers. Agreement was reached on 10 demands, following which a number of workers returned to duty; a portion continued the protest for political reasons. That protest too has now completely ended.

¶ 10 I table the 10 points agreed with workers:

¶ 11 - 1. Brand name: “RAJA” has been used since 2012 as the National Salt brand. To maintain a single company brand, it was proposed for table salt as well. However, considering requests, the brand for Elephant Pass output is changed to “Elephant Pass Salt.” Model pouch design was shared. - 2. Transfer of raw salt to other parts of the country: Elephant Pass is a national asset. Since 2016, raw salt has been sold to outsiders to earn income for infrastructure and to commission a TSP plant. Once the plant is fully taken over by end of this month, raw salt will be used for powder processing and sold island-wide. Any future overstock of raw salt will be issued to other producers to meet national needs. NSL is currently supplying island-wide to mitigate scarcity; workers were requested not to obstruct distribution. - 3. Employment opportunities: Due to production loss from adverse climate, workdays were affected. Renovations will start next Monday with capital allocations, engaging maximum labour, with priority for workers serving over five years. - 4. Decent treatment: Mutual respect norms will be issued for both staff and labour. - 5. Medical leave on duty injuries: If an accident/injury occurs on duty, medical certificates from a Government Hospital will be accepted; salary will be paid during hospitalization/rest. Transport to hospital will be provided at company cost. - 6. Use of backhoe/JCB: The machine was purchased for both salt collection and renovations. It will be used wherever needed, while allocating adequate manual work. - 7. Double shift payments: Equal payment for second shift will be ensured. - 8. Funeral facilitation: Company will print a banner at company cost and facilitate transport if a hired vehicle is available. - 9. Uniforms: Provision was delayed; procurement will be advanced to provide uniforms and caps. - 10. Filtered water at site: While tap water exists onsite, a small tank will be set up and filled with filtered water for easy consumption.

¶ 12 7. Operations at Elephant Pass Saltern are continuing uninterrupted; the strike caused no damage to normal production. As noted, the protest has fully ended.

¶ 13 8. Due to climatic variability, production has declined since 2024. Even so, operations continue as usual. Target production at Elephant Pass is about 12,000 metric tons for 2024/2025 and around 18,000 metric tons for 2025/2026.

¶ 14 9. Necessary facilities for workers have been provided, including basic and welfare needs, timely contributions to benefits and provident funds, safe drinking water and sanitation, tea allowance, year-end benefits, uniforms, annual outings with family gatherings, and a medical camp last year for all employees and their families at company expense.

¶ 15 Thank you, Mr. Speaker.