• global dependence on palm oil press machine will increase in Sri Lanka
  • global dependence on palm oil press machine will increase in Sri Lanka
  • global dependence on palm oil press machine will increase in Sri Lanka
  • global dependence on palm oil press machine will increase in Sri Lanka
  • Will a ban on palm oil affect Sri Lanka's economy?
  • In addition, by diversifying agricultural production, Sri Lanka aims to reduce its dependence on palm oil imports and strengthen domestic industries. The ban on oil palm cultivation has generated mixed opinions and sparked debates. Some argue it could negatively affect the economy, as palm oil contributes to Sri Lanka’s edible oil requirements.
  • How does the palm oil industry contribute to Sri Lanka's economy?
  • Q&A Explainer with Dr Erandathie Pathiraja Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka The palm oil industry in Sri Lanka saves USD 17 million annually in foreign exchange and contributes to the economy through employment and capital investments.
  • How much palm oil does Sri Lanka import from Malaysia?
  • Sri Lanka imports around 90 percent of its total 200,000 tons from Malaysia. The volume affected by the Sri Lankan ban is insignificant, considering Malaysia produces and trades in around 20 million tons of palm oil per year.
  • How can Sri Lanka bridge the oil & coconut industry gap?
  • Given the limited land availability for expanding commercial cultivations in Sri Lanka for coconut and oil palm, productivity improvements would support partially bridging the gap. This can be facilitated by lowering the import tariff on edible oils, easing the burden on consumers.
  • Can Sri Lanka meet local edible oil demand without imports?
  • Meeting the local edible oil demand in Sri Lanka is indeed a challenge without imports. Nearly 74% of the demand is met through imports. Local palm oil supplies 6% and the rest is through local coconut oil, which varies with annual coconut production.
  • Is coconut a sustainable alternative to palm oil in Sri Lanka?
  • Coconut accounts for approximately 12 percent of all agricultural produce in Sri Lanka, with the total land area under cultivation covering 409,244 hectares (in 2017). Sri Lanka is one of the major exporters of coconut products in the world. While palm oil gets all the bad reputation, coconut is perceived as a sustainable alternative.