The National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) said today it had recently decided to increase the import of cows from 10,000 to 20,000 this year to promote the consumption of fresh milk instead of powdered milk.

NLDB Deputy Chairman Lakshman Hullugalle said 500 cows had already been imported from Australia and another 1,500 would be imported in two months time.

NLDB sources said Sri Lanka spent a staggering US$4,000 million on the import of milk powder annually and that importing cows would be less expensive and cost effective for the country in the long run.

However he said the total monetary value of the cows imported this year had not been determined but it is expected to be worth millions. Millions of rupees will be spent for the purpose of feeding, maintaining and housing the cows in the upcountry.

Mr. Hullugalle said pregnant cows would also be imported and would further increase the herd of cows and milk production in the country. (Olindhi Jayasundere)