Import and re-export of some spices banned

• also banned re-exporting of garbage, processing of garbage or recourse recycling for re-export

By Ajith Siriwardana   

The government yesterday issued a gazette notice banning the import and re-export of pepper, arecanut, tamarind, cinnamon, ginger, clove and several other crops with effect from Thursday midnight.   

The Gazette has also banned the re-exporting of garbage, the processing of garbage or recourse recycling for re-export.   

The decision was taken by Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.to protect and promote minor crop cultivators and small and medium scale industrialists.  

Another gazette notice was issued under the Import & Export (control) Act to regulate the import of Vesak Lanterns, kites and incense sticks which were a competitive household industry in Sri Lanka.   

However, the Ministry said there was no ban for domestic re-cycling projects. 

The decision was taken by Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.to protect  and promote minor crop cultivators and small and medium scale  industrialists