Nov 29, Colombo: State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated in Parliament today that the importation of milk powder has not been restricted and therefore there is no risk of a shortage of milk powder in the market.

The State Minister said this in response to a recent statement made by the Union of Milk Powder Importers that there is a risk of expiry of a stock of milk powder imported into Sri Lanka without being able to get it released on time.

The State Minister said if the importer meets the legal requirements, the stock of milk powder held at the Customs due to illegal importation into Sri Lanka is ready to be released within a week before the expiry date.

The Minister points out that since no restrictions have been imposed on the import of milk powder, no shortage of milk powder can be created in the country due to this detention.

Although the import of milk powder for direct consumption can be done without a license from the Controller General of Imports and Exports, if any material is imported as a raw material, the relevant prior approval is required.

According to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, this stock of milk powder has been imported as a raw material for the production of chocolate and milk tea. Since this stock of milk powder has been imported illegally, the related legal process should be completed before the release.

However, if the importer fulfills the relevant legal requirements, the Customs Department is ready to conclude the Customs inspection and release or legally dispose the stock of milk powder within a week before the expiry date, the Minister further stated.

Chairman of Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd, Lakshman Weerasuriya has said that there was a delay in releasing a stock of milk powder imported by his company and 17 containers containing 400,000 kg of milk powder stocks have been held by the Customs.