Cabinet approves maize imports for continuous Thriposha production

Wednesday, 4 June 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved issuing an annual import licence for maize with an objective of sustaining the uninterrupted production of Thriposha.

The decision follows ongoing challenges in sourcing locally grown maize that meets the required quality standards.

Thriposha, the Government’s key nutritional supplement program is provided free-of-charge to pregnant women, lactating mothers (up to six months postpartum) and malnourished infants between the ages of six months and five years. It is manufactured primarily using maize and soya beans with an annual maize requirement of 18,000 tons, equivalent to 1,500 tons per month.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa justified the move noting that ensuring a safe and reliable supply of Thriposha is a priority for the nutrition program.

When asked about the need to import as maize, he said the local maize supply was found to contain high levels of alfatoxins—a naturally occurring toxin that poses serious health risks, rendering it unsuitable for consumption.

He noted that Thriposha Ltd., the State-run manufacturer, had even experimented with using rice as a temporary substitute in certain parts of the country to offset maize shortages and meet the demand.

The proposal to this effect, submitted by Health Minister Dr. Jayatissa was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.