The Cabinet has approved to lift the temporary ban imposed on importation of Orid Dhal (Undu / Black Lentil) to prevent a market shortage during the upcoming festival season.

It has been identified that the annual Orid Dhal requirement of Sri Lanka is around 20,000 MT with shortages seen in April and December.

Therefore, in order to prevent a shortage and to control prices during the upcoming festival season, the government is of the view that the temporary ban should be lifted.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries to lift the temporary ban on the importation of Black Gram.