The
Sri Lanka government has decided to extend its six month-ban on
scrap exports, which was due to expire on November 10, for a further two year period and has also imposed a new ban on ingots and billets in order to protect the local industry.
The
scrap ban was introduced to protect the local industry that experienced a shortage of raw materials due to increased exports to neighboring
India.
Regarding ingots and billets, cabinet spokesperson Mr.Anura Yapa commented that despite the government's ban,
scrap exporters had found a way to continue deliveries by converting
scrap into ingots/ billets and thus had caused severe problems to the local foundry industries.
However, representatives of the local industry said that they still face scarcity of raw materials despite the ban.