The Sri Lankan government’s decision to import eggs to control the soaring prices and address the shortage in the local market has finally come to fruition. The first batch of imported eggs, consisting of 2 million eggs from India, arrived in Sri Lanka early on March 23, after several delays due to certification matters.
The consignment will be released following the necessary tests conducted by the Health Ministry, and Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has issued guidelines for handling the imported eggs in the bakery industry, including the use of gloves and safe disposal of eggshells to prevent environmental damage.
The imported eggs will not be sold at stores for general consumption. Instead, they will be sold at Rs. 40 or less for food manufacturers, as directed by the government.
The special commodity levy imposed on imported eggs was also reduced from Rs. 50 to Rs. 1 for a period of three months, effective from February 21, ahead of the arrival of the first batch.
In response to a question raised by MP Rohana Bandara in parliament on March 23, Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando stated that the distribution of the first batch of imported eggs for the bakery industry would only begin after the completion of required inspections carried out by the Ministry of Health. The company providing the imported eggs to Sri Lanka is known for providing eggs for all institutions that seek the highest standards in the world, according to Minister Fernando.
The government’s decision to import eggs from India is expected to help control the prices of eggs within the country, and the imported eggs will be distributed for the manufacture of bakery products at reasonable prices.
