A Gazette notification has been issued suspending the imports of Black Pepper, Dry Arecanut, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mace, Cardamom, Areca nut, Tamarind, etc with immediate effect.

Imports of kites, wesak pandals and incense sticks have also been restricted.

The decision has been made by the Ministry of Finance, under the directives of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, the importation and reimportation of waste material have also been banned with immediate effect.