Malaysia, Indonesia request removal of ban on palm oil imports

• Says SL’s abrupt decision tarnishes industry’s image

By Kelum Bandara
Malaysia and Indonesia, perturbed by the government’s decision to slap a ban on palm oil imports, have asked for the removal of it, Mirror Business learns.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tan Yang Thai and Indonesian Ambassador Gusti Ngurah Ardiyasa called on Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane recently and had discussed about it.

According to informed sources, the two envoys said the ‘abrupt ban’ had affected the image of the entire palm oil industries in their respective countries and asked for the reversion of it. 

They brought to the notice of the minister that the campaign against palm oil had been instigated since 1980s by the manufacturers of other cooking oil varieties such as soya oil.  

They even said that they would provide all research details about palm oil.

The two envoys sought to take up the matter with the highest authorities of the country in this regard.

Gunawardane said Sri Lanka would take steps to allow refined palm oil imports required for the manufacturing industry of the country. 

It is estimated Sri Lanka imports about 200,000 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia annually.