Sri Lanka to import 2000 MT of chicken from India

Sri Lanka today decided to import upto 2,000 tonnes of chicken from India to meet shortages in the domestic market ahead of Christmas holiday season.

The government was immediately placing an order for 500 tonnes with the balance to be imported before the holiday season, trade ministry officials said.

The All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) said it was targeting a productioon of 10,000 tonnes of chicken this month, but admitted it may not be able to meet the full demand.

"Our production is about 9,800 tonnes a month and we can increase it to 10,000 this month, but there can be a shortage," a spokesman said.

He said there was a demand-supply gap of one million one-day old chicks due to sudden increase in the arrival of foreign tourists.