Sri Lanka bans palm oil imports, calls on growers to uproot plantations

Sri Lanka has banned the import of palm oil and the establishment of new palm plantations, and has also called on growers to phase out existing plantations. Such actions have unexpectedly puzzled the edible oil industry, writes Reuters. In recent years, Sri Lanka, a leading producer of coconut oil, has increased palm oil imports and plantations. Sri Lankan President Gotabay Rajapaksa said in a statement that the current goal is "to free the country from oil palm plantations and the consumption of palm oil." Environmentalists also say palm oil production has led to widespread deforestation and damage to ecosystems. Traders estimate that Sri Lanka imports about 200,000 tons of palm oil annually, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. "Those companies and organizations that were involved in the cultivation of raw materials will have to gradually uproot their plantings, 10% at a time and replace them with environmentally friendly ...