Imported chicken, eggs arrive today

The first ever chicken and eggs order, placed by the Government with an Indian supplier, to meet the demand for the two items ahead of the festive season, is to be delivered today.

The Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry had placed an order for 500 tonnes of chicken and 50 million eggs from an Indian supplier and the consignment is reaching the island today just in time for the Christmas holidays.

The Ministry had decided to import 2,500 tonnes of chicken and 50 million eggs. Out of the total, the government has ordered 1,500 tonnes of chicken from Brazil. It is the first time that the country has ordered chicken and eggs wholesale.

Sri Lanka currently faces a massive shortage of chicken and eggs and the authorities attribute the shortage to an increase in consumption of the popular meat due to increased tourist arrivals in the country.

A kilo of chicken is sold in Sri Lanka at a controlled price of Rs. 350 and the Ministry has decided to maintain a buffer stock of chicken to sustain prices.