The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection has alleged that certain Finance Ministry officials are attempting to remove restrictions on palm oil imports by misleading the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Chairman of the organization, Ranjith Withanage has called on the President to intervene and prevent the move, citing concerns over consumer health and food safety.
Speaking on the matter, Withanage said restrictions on palm oil imports were introduced in 2021 following a decision by a panel of experts, with the aim of safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety.
He added that the government which assumed office two years ago had continued to maintain the existing policy.
However, Withanage alleged that a group of Finance Ministry officials was now seeking to lift the restrictions through a budget proposal that would facilitate the resumption of palm oil imports.
He urged the President to take steps to prevent the proposed changes and ensure that measures introduced to protect consumers' health and food safety remain in place.
