Sri Lanka bans exports of scrap, ingots and billets

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.