Exports of illegal metal, iron, related equipment, scrap prohibited

Colombo (June 27) - Efforts are underway to prohibit the illegal export of metal, iron, related equipment and scrap from the country. All metal exports must receive approval from the Ministry of Industry, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

He made this statement in a meeting held at the Ministry with the participation of metal workers, a group of officials representing the industry, Ministry of Industries and the Sri Lanka Customs Department.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the financial losses incurred due to the illegal export of metal waste, iron-related equipment, and scrap materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, cheena chatti, white iron and hi-carbon.

He also mentioned that preparations are underway to issue a gazette notification to specify permissible metal-related exports and identify goods suitable for export conditions.

The Minister further stated that all illegal re-exports will be halted, and in the future, re-exports of metal, iron-related equipment and scrap materials will require recommendations from the Ministry of Industries.