In a significant move, Sri Lanka has opted to import big onions from India through Lanka Sathosa, a state-owned retail network.
India recently announced its decision to supply a consignment of 10,000 metric tonnes of onions to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the export ban on onions for the island nation, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.
Discussions were conducted at the Ministry of Trade regarding the logistics of importing big onions, weighing the options between state and private sector involvement. Ultimately, it was decided to proceed with the importation through Lanka Sathosa.
Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, Pasanda Yapa Abeywardena, informed Ada Derana that the initial stock would consist of 2,000 metric tonnes of big onions.
However, Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando emphasized that Sri Lanka’s monthly requirement for big onions amounts to approximately 20,000 metric tonnes.
