Strict legal action will be taken against those who imported unrefined coconut oil that contained carcinogens, Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said yesterday (26) in Parliament.
Dr. Gunawardena added that no political intervention will be allowed when the culprits are brought to book. He observed that there has been a request made to carry out an investigation on the matter by the Criminal Investigation Department.
Dr. Gunawardena said, “In the last few days, it seems that various parties are trying to spread the idea that people will have to consume unhealthy coconut oil that would be added to the market in the coming New Year season. Therefore, it is my duty and responsibility as the Ministry of Trade to clarify the status of this misconception. In the Dambulla area, traditional coconut oil producers had called a press conference and revealed to the media that there is an attempt to release a consignment of imported coconut oil that contains carcinogens. When this was published in the media and made headlines, the next morning I called the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority and asked him to investigate. Accordingly, it was learned that the import of unrefined coconut oil has been taking place in the country for a long time.
Due to this the Director General of the Consumer Affairs Authority met the Director General of Customs. Accordingly, investigations have been carried out and it has been found that the oil contains some toxins and the stock of oil has been stored in warehouses for re-export. These have not been released to the market. They have to be re-exported.”
Dr. Gunawardena pointed out, “In particular, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution and the Food Division of the Department of Health investigated the matter as separate institutions. Due to the quantity of coconut oil which is unfit for human consumption in these containers, it has been ordered to re-export it without selling it here. They cannot however be taken out until the investigations are completed. A party has requested an investigation from the CID in this regard. We urge the IGP to expedite this investigation and find out the culprits. The culprits should be brought to justice regardless of rank. Therefore, we all have a responsibility not to use this incident as a means to an end. None of the sugar importing companies in particular are involved in importing the said coconut oil stocks.”At this juncture Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Patali Champika Ranawaka pointed out, “A year ago we conducted a formal inspection on coconut oil produced and imported to this country. Some of these samples were found to contain carcinogens. The CID cannot do this. There is a special institute called ITI (Industrial Technology Institute) to look into matters like these. So do a full investigation on this. If there is any wrongdoing, enforce the law. When the former President was the Minister of Health, following a problem like this, a large quantity of unsuitable milk was destroyed. So don’t store these and re-export as these stocks will reach another community of another country. It is not good for those people to consume these either. These stocks should be destroyed.”
Dr. Gunawardena in reply to MP Ranawaka said that they have already sent the coconut oil samples to the ITI to carry out investigations.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP J.C. Alawatuwala speaking on the same matter pointed out, “People tell different stories about this scenario. We have received information that there is a problem with this coconut oil. We cannot overlook this matter.” In reply State Minister Arundika Fernando said, “The Director General of Customs has asked for a complete re-export of this consignment of coconut oil. We know that this coconut oil contains a lot of toxins. Accordingly, the Director General of Customs has recommended that they be re-exported on March 4. None of the stocks made it into the market.”
SJB MP Nalin Bandara pointed out, “Clearly investigate this matter. Due to this the coconut oil industry in our country is collapsing. People are afraid to buy coconut oil. This is a major problem. Some say these stocks were not released to the market while some others say the stocks were released to the market. Find out and take proper action.”
State Minister Arundika Fernando assured that none of the said coconut oil stocks has been released to the market.
