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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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Canned fish imports liberalised by DON ASOKA WIJEWARDENA The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Cost of Living last week approved the liberalisation of canned fish imports, by withdrawing the specifications of a 60 per cent maximum drained mass, required for all imports. Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayaka told the Sunday Observer the decision had been taken by the Cabinet in the interests of consumers with the primary objective of liberalising the canned fish importation and reducing prices. Minister Karunanayaka explained that the specification imposed under SLS 5-91 standard had permitted only high dense fish to be imported, which had resulted in Jack mackerals of Chilean origin flooding the market, thus creating a monopoly as it was the cheapest variety of canned fish that met the specifications. He pointed out that during his recent Far-East tour, he was able to ascertain that canned fish of less dense fish such as pilchards and sardines could easily be imported and sold at retail markets for half of the price. According to the Minister, canned fish is one of the 84 items of consumer goods which are subject to Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLSI) imports inspection scheme introduced in 1986. The SLS 5-91 standard originally specified 70 per cent drained mass, but it was reduced to 60 per cent in 1995 with a view to reducing the escalating market prices. Minister Karunanayaka said that the canned fish market was now open to all sources of importation and added that a substantial price reduction could be expected in the next few months. He said that all importers should mention the correct percentage of drained mass on the labels of the fish cans imported into the country. CWE Chairman, Lal Wickrematunge, said that an order had already been placed to import canned fish of different varieties from Thailand and ensured that a can of fish could be sold at less than Rs 60 for the benefit of consumers. Mr. Wickrematunge added that the CWE was considering to import canned fish from Malaysia and the Phillipines as well during the next few months. |
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