APOA welcomes Sri Lanka’s move to lift ban on oil palm cultivation

The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) has welcomed the recent developments in Sri Lanka indicating that the Sri Lankan government is moving towards lifting the ban on oil palm cultivation, subject to final approvals and sustainability safeguards.

A media statement said APOA considers this a positive and pragmatic step towards strengthening edible oil security, supporting rural livelihoods, reducing import dependence, and promoting science-based sustainable agriculture in Asia.

It said that Sri Lanka has continued to import substantial quantities of palm oil despite restrictions on domestic cultivation, while several scientific and industry discussions in recent years have increasingly emphasized the need for evidence-based policy decisions and sustainable production frameworks.

Balanced approach

Quoting Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman of APOA, the statement said the reported move by the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the ban on oil palm cultivation reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach.

“The real challenge today is not prohibition, but ensuring sustainability through science, responsible governance, and stakeholder collaboration. Sustainable palm oil has a vital role in ensuring food security, affordable nutrition, farmer prosperity, and economic resilience across Asia,” he said.

Oil palm is among the most efficient vegetable oil crops globally in terms of productivity per hectare. With appropriate environmental safeguards, traceability systems, and sustainability standards, countries can achieve economic and environmental objectives together. APOA strongly supports responsible and sustainable palm oil ecosystems across Asia, he said.

Emphasising the importance of sustainability-centred growth and regional cooperation, Shatadru Chattopadhyay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia, said Asia’s edible oil future must be guided by sustainability, inclusiveness, and scientific evidence. Palm oil is an essential commodity for food systems and livelihoods across the region.

Coexisting with environmental stewardship

“The pathway forward lies in strengthening sustainable production practices, protecting biodiversity, supporting smallholders, and promoting transparent supply chains rather than moving away from the crop itself,” he said.

Sri Lanka now has an opportunity to demonstrate how responsible cultivation models, sustainability frameworks, and stakeholder participation can coexist with environmental stewardship and economic development, he said.

BV Mehta, Secretary General of APOA, said many Asian countries are working towards improving edible oil self-reliance while ensuring sustainability commitments. Sri Lanka’s policy reconsideration reflects the growing realisation that sustainable palm oil must be part of the solution for food security, farmer income enhancement, and economic stability in the region.

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India and APOA remain committed to facilitating dialogue among governments, researchers, industry stakeholders, civil society organizations, and farmer groups to encourage responsible growth of the palm oil sector based on transparency, sustainability, and shared regional learning, he said.

APOA reiterated that sustainable palm oil production must continue to prioritise responsible land use, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, smallholder inclusion, traceability and transparency, and climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

APOA believes regional collaboration and science-led policymaking will play a critical role in ensuring sustainable edible oil systems for Asia’s future, the statement said.

Published on May 11, 2026