Sri Lanka will import one million eggs per day from five selected chicken farms in Tamil Nadu, India to be sold through the state–run retail chain called ‘Lanka SATHOSA’ primarily in the Western Province to address the shortage, an official said.

Chairman of State Engineering Corporation Asiri Walisundara told Daily Mirror that a team of officials from the Department of Animal Production and Health visited these farms for quality tests and certified them.

He said the orders were placed last week.

“We will start receiving shipments this week. Our plan is to get one million eggs per day,” he said.

Earlier, the imported eggs were released for the use of industries.

“Now, we have decided to release them for the mass market. It takes a few days for clearance from the animal health authorities after sample testing of each stock,” he said.

Eggs are expected to be sold at Rs.35 each. Currently the price remains as high as Rs.60 each. Besides, eggs are not widely available.

The Sri Lankan poultry industry suffered a setback because of lack of chicken feeds locally and inability to import due to restrictions and high costs. Sri Lanka remained self-sufficient in poultry production until recent times. (Kelum Bandara)