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SJB requests SC to nullify Cabinet decision to ban chemical fertilizers

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NPP MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya flanked by JVP politburo Member Bimal Ratnayake (on her right) and National People’s Power Operational Committee Member Aruna Shantha Nonis speaking to the media

By AJA Abeynayake

The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking annulment of the Cabinet decision to ban the use and import of chemical fertilizers.

The petitioners say the decision to ban the use and import of chemical fertilizers taken by the cabinet of ministers on April 27, this year violates their fundamental rights.

SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Chairman of the Samagi Govi Jana Peramuna Hemakumara Nanayakkara and Secretary P. Harrison filed the petition.

Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Secretary to the Ministry Udith K. Wijesinghe, National Fertilizer Secretariat, Department of Agriculture, and Attorney General have been named as respondents.

The petitioners state that the President has taken steps to ban the import and use of chemical fertilizers in Sri Lanka as per a resolution approved by the Cabinet on April 27.

The petitioners state that the government has claimed that this step was taken with the intention of uplifting the use of organic fertilizer in the country.

However, due to the decision to ban the import of chemical fertilizers, the petitioners have pointed out that the agricultural sector is currently facing a severe crisis and the production costs of farmers and cultivators have gone up and the yield has come down.

Accordingly, they point out that farmers have been severely prejudiced by this decision.

The petitioners have stated that they are not opposed to the decision to promote the use of organic fertilizers but it should be done in a proper manner.

Accordingly, the petitioners request the Supreme Court to issue an order nullifying the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers on April 27 prohibiting the use and import of organic fertilizer, violating their fundamental rights.

The petitioners further request that an interim order be issued to prevent the implementation of the resolution passed by the Cabinet on April 27 until the final verdict is pronounced after hearing the petition.



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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,  issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

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