By Sanath Nanayakkare

If vehicle imports flow out USD 2 billion, Sri Lanka’s hitherto collected foreign reserves will fall, and its consequences might bring negative implications on the overall economy, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, taking part in the Muhunata Muhuna programme on Sirasa TV recently.

“There has been a 5-year long ban on car imports to save our foreign reserves and have a healthy current account to ensure economic stability without plunging into a crisis again. We understand that there is the need to import cars because old vehicles incur higher running costs. The tourism industry, transportation industry and other sectors need new vehicles for obvious reasons. And there are many other individuals in society who are looking to buy a car. But this needs to be allowed with great caution as we need to control our forex outflows vs car imports and only the most needed imports are exececuted. The Ministry of Finance has been in discussions with us as to what is the healthy level of reserves to allow car imports. We have already given the Finance Ministry the recommendation that it can be allowed on a staggered basis to the tune of USD 1.0 -1.5 billion. Two circulars were issued following that recommendation regarding vehicle imports. However, that was delayed.”

“The Finance Ministry will issue the 3rd circular in Feb. 2025 regarding car imports. The Central Bank informs the Finance Ministry of the status of the foreign reserves and how we best can manage it as imports begin. And the final decision is on the fiscal side to weigh the situation vis a vis; the requirement for vehicles in the market, the import duties the government can collect and maintaining a healthy level of foreign reserves level.

“Imports worth USD one billion won’t have a significant impact on the current exchange rate or the foreign reserves level, but if it goes up to USD 2 billion, it will have an adverse impact on the foreign exchange reserves. So, the important question is how to allow vehicle imports while balancing the reserves, he said.

The Governor said that the Central Bank targets to have USD 7 billion in its reserves by the end of 2025.

Director, Upali Group of Companies and the Chairman of the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), Dhammika Attygalle, has been appointed a member of the National Council for Road Safety by the Secretary, to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Senior Prof. K. Kapila C.K. Perera. Mr. Attygalle will be holding this position for three years.

Mr. Attygalle is also the Chief Basnayake Nilame of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaye.

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Sri Lanka’s coconut shortage will further aggravate in the coming months and we urge the government to expedite the proposal to import 200 million nuts, The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), the umbrella organisation for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, said.

“Sri Lanka’s current national coconut output is around 1.5 billion nuts. The Coconut Research Institute has revealed that this year there would be a 10 percent drop in production and that would adversely affect local consumption. An unprecedented coconut shortage is threatening domestic consumers with sky-rocketing prices, about Rs. 200 per nut, and also exports, CCCI president, Jayantha Samarakoon revealed at a media conference held at the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries auditorium last Tuesday.

Samarakoon expressed fears that if exporters fail to fulfil the current export orders due to a lack of raw materials, it could severely impact Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable supplier in the world coconut market. The latter is expected to grow to US$30 billion by 2030.

The CCCI initially expressed fears of an unprecedented coconut shortage in September last year, while warning that prices could rise to Rs. 270 per nut if no action was taken to reverse the current trend.

“The time for action is now. Through collaborative and immediate measures, Sri Lanka can not only recover but position itself as a global leader in the coconut industry. This approach is critical for restoring balance, enhancing export competitiveness and ensuring affordable access for all Sri Lankans, Samarakoon added.

“Last year, coconut and coconut-based exports were estimated to have generated US$ 782million in foreign exchange revenue, the highest ever. By 2027, the CCCI aims to help the country achieve US$1.5 billion in coconut-based export revenue while boosting the annual production from 3 billion to 4.5 billion coconuts, he said.

“The Coconut Research Institute (CRI) has forecast a production shortfall exceeding 200 million nuts in the first quarter of this year. In 2024, coconut production fell short by 260 million nuts from CRI’s forecast, with a sharp 60 percent year-on-year (YoY) drop in coconut harvest in December 2024. The industry was targeting to bring in US$1 billion in export revenue this year, Samarakoon added.

Samarakoon added: “While the government has responded favourably to the industry proposal for imports, it is yet to reach the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. The actions of certain government bodies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are causing further delays in the import process by raising concerns about the possibility of diseases entering the country.

“It typically takes a minimum one-month period for imports to reach export manufacturers under the regulations. Further delays could adversely impact farm gate prices in the upcoming June coconut harvest season, as possible delays in imported raw materials could lead to an excess supply scenario during the harvest season, ultimately resulting in lower prices for domestic coconut farmers who are largely smallholders.

“The shortages have mainly been due to a short-lived blanket ban on chemical fertilisers and agrochemicals in 2020 and subsequent unaffordable fertilizer prices, which resulted in insignificant application of fertilizers.

“The Chamber has proposed allocating Rs. 1.5 billion from the CESS Fund for subsidies covering moisture conservation, fertiliser, pest control and related agricultural improvements. It is also seeking soft loans for infrastructure such as irrigation and solar power to enhance productivity. These measures, once implemented, will take almost a year to increase coconut production.

“The Chamber is of the view that importing fresh coconuts is the most cost-effective solution, which would particularly benefit the oil and activated carbon industries. Otherwise, it is seeking equivalent raw materials, including copra chips, dried pairings, coconut milk and frozen kernels, to stabilise the supply chain.”