Govt bans metal scrap exports

Chaminda PERERA

The Government yesterday banned the export of metal scrap such as copper, bronze, aluminum and lead for six months as an urgent step to address the scarcity of raw material for Small and Medium Scale industrialists and traditional industrialists.

Mass Media and Communication Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Cabinet of Ministers have given approval for the suspension of export of metal scrap for six months.

The Cabinet has also approved a mechanism under which these industrialists can obtain their raw material requirements from the Industrial Development Board (IDB).

Minister Rambukwella said all government institutions have to send metal scraps removed from their establishments to the IDB and industrialists can obtain their raw material requirements from the IDB. The Cabinet Memorandum was submitted by Industrial Development Minister Douglas Devananda.

Some people are involved in the export of metal scraps removed from Government institutions without value addition. Local industrialists face a number of difficulties in finding raw material for their industries, the Minister added.

Minister Rambukwella said a register containing details of small industrialists who indulge in metal industries will be maintained by the Government and will be given assistance by the Government.

The Minister said thousands of people, particularly in the Kadugannawa area, use metal as a raw material for this industry.