The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we are completing the legal requirement regarding Regulations under Section 20 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act.

¶ 02 Some Members who spoke earlier seemed unaware of the basics. After the November 2024 election, by December we understood a possible salt shortfall could arise due to weather conditions in salt-pan regions. Therefore, by a Cabinet decision in May, and through Regulations, import of salt was allowed only until 10 June 2025 to address that specific special circumstance. Today we are formalizing that regulation. This is not about “now deciding to import salt” again.

¶ 03 Everyone knows Sri Lanka produces sufficient salt for national needs — iodized salt for consumption and salt for industrial uses — with about 70% by the State and 30% by the private sector. There is no inherent reason for a chronic shortage because we generally produce more than needed. However, adverse weather in coastal salt-pan areas reduced output. In such a case, the Government has a responsibility to ensure supply. Whether we like it or not, a limited one-off import was necessary to stabilize supply and price. This was not an opportunity for fraud as in the past with white sugar, but a targeted intervention.

¶ 04 Because the Government intervened and distributed imported salt, private suppliers could not arbitrarily jack up prices. We conducted raids, engaged with industry, set up distribution mechanisms, and checked standards. As a result, the Opposition’s attempt to create panic failed.

¶ 05 For three to four weeks this House spoke only of salt. The Opposition tried to weaponize it, but once supply was normalized their narrative collapsed. Hoarding salt at home does not mean one can consume more; excess salt causes hypertension and raises mortality from cardiovascular disease. The Opposition tried to turn “salt holes in the packet” into a bridge to attack the Government; instead they fell into their own salt bag.

¶ 06 People have the right to critique the Government. But when the Opposition turns its role into hysteria and fear-mongering over salt, they will not rise again. One Member even said Parliament exists to tell lies — is that what we have come here for?

¶ 07 On the Lotteries Board residence issue raised earlier: the Chairman is paying rent for the official residence on Matha Road; prior occupants stayed without paying. Let’s be factual.

¶ 08 On the Salt Corporation: it was earlier under the Finance Ministry and subject to Presidential pressures; Hambantota salterns were not modernized, no technology was introduced, workers’ issues were ignored. That political misuse harmed the Corporation. Now, under the Ministry of Industries and SME Development, we plan to increase production, export surplus salt, and ensure quality to the public. The Opposition tried to do politics through a salt bag; people now understand salt is needed in moderation — about one teaspoon (five grams) per day.

¶ 09 Though we are surrounded by sea, not every place can produce salt. Since the 1970s, no consistent effort was made to modernize and expand. The lesson: those who fell into the salt bag will not easily recover. Thank you.