Lanka annually imports upto Rs. 100 mn in pulses
View(s):Sri Lanka annually imports between Rs. 70 million to Rs. 100 mn worth of pulses and lentils annually with the food fast becoming a staple diet for many locals. “Pulses and grains were introduced to Sri Lanka historically and today pulses have become a staple in Sri Lankan households as a result. Their imports rising fast,” Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen was quoted saying last week during a speech at the Sheraton Cesme Hotel, Izmir, Turkey.
He was addressing the Global Pulse Convention 2016 (GPC16) held in Cesme, Izmir, Turkey from May 19 to 22. GPC 2016 the world’s leading annual pulses and grains confab and is organised by the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC). Y2016 has been declared as the International Year of Pulses.
According to a media release issued by his ministry, the Minister Bathiudeen said Australia and Canada have become important suppliers of red lentils to Sri Lanka. Lentil imports now account for more than 7 per cent of Sri Lanka’s annual food and beverages imports.