Production of Thriposha — Sri Lanka’s flagship nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating mothers and at-risk children — has been heavily disrupted by delays in releasing a 2,290 metric-ton maize consignment that has remained stuck at port despite the importer holding the required licences, The Island reported.
The shipment was procured under a national competitive bidding process with prior Cabinet approval granted in June 2025. Trade authorities are now withholding clearance, insisting that fresh Cabinet approval is required before the maize can be released — a position that contradicts earlier guidance attributed to the Cabinet Spokesperson in January 2026 that no additional approval was necessary.
Industry sources warned that prolonged storage of maize in sealed containers under high heat and humidity raises the risk of aflatoxin contamination, which must remain below five parts per billion to be usable. Pest infestation is also rising as the effectiveness of earlier fumigation diminishes.
The supplier has already incurred roughly Rs. 214 million in procurement, taxes and related costs. Demurrage and storage charges are estimated at between Rs. 700,000 and Rs. 1 million a day, according to the report.
The consignment forms part of a 6,000-MT contract awarded in 2024. About 1,200 MT have already been delivered; the rest remains tied up in administrative limbo despite recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Policy and Security Committee to clear the stock.
Thriposha is distributed free through the Maternal and Child Health network and is used to treat Moderate Acute Malnutrition. Health-sector stakeholders have warned that further disruption could undermine nutrition programmes for vulnerable groups at a time when the Family Health Bureau is publicly flagging a triple burden of child malnutrition.
