The Essential Food Commodities Importers and Traders Association yesterday requested the government to relax restrictions on the import of turmeric which is a vital cooking ingredient.

Association President G. Rajendran told the Daily Mirror that 400,000 kilogrammes of turmeric are needed every month.

Earlier, the government placed import restrictions in a move to boost local production. 

Mr. Rajendran said the local supply was hardly sufficient for the country. “If there is any local produce, we are ready to buy the whole lot. We don’t see locally manufactured turmeric coming up,” he said, requesting the government to allow them to import.

He said some container loads of turmeric previously ordered had arrived in the port and the government  has started releasing them, but the current restrictions should be lifted .

Turmeric is imported from India. Asked whether there is any shortage of  imported food commodities , he ruled out such an issue

However , he said the distribution process had been hampered due to the lack of workers.(Kelum Bandara)