Sri Lanka, Feb. 6 -- The Lanka Salt Company in Hambantota has announced an increase in salt prices, attributing the hike to the rising cost of imported salt.

According to the company, the price of a 400-gram packet of salt powder has been raised by Rs. 20, from Rs. 100 to Rs. 120, while the price of a one-kilogram packet of crystal salt has increased by Rs. 60, from Rs. 120 to Rs. 180. However, the company clarified that this price adjustment is only a temporary measure.

Sri Lanka's annual salt demand stands at approximately 20,000 metric tons. However, adverse weather conditions in the final quarter of last year led to a decline in local salt production.

In response, the government approved the temporary importation of 12,000 metric t...