Reconsider the Ban on Retail Sale of Coconut Oil, Urges Civil Society

21-Jul-2025

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The National Movement for Social Justice has urged the government to reconsider its proposed legislation to ban the retail sale of coconut oil. 

In a press release, Secretary Sunil Jayasekara stated that such laws, while intended to curb market malpractice, could negatively affect the cultural and economic practices of everyday citizens.

Jayasekara pointed out that many low-income families, both in rural and urban areas, buy coconut oil in small quantities—by the spoon or small bottle—due to financial constraints. 

A blanket ban would disproportionately impact them and disrupt traditional household purchasing patterns.

He also highlighted that religious institutions, such as temples and churches, often rely on small-scale purchases of coconut oil for daily rituals. 

Implementing such a law without understanding on-the-ground realities and public buying behavior could lead to unnecessary hardship. 

Therefore, the movement calls on the government to immediately reconsider the law and avoid policy decisions that undermine the public’s lifestyle and cultural practices.