News
China wants issue resolved amicably
Controversy over harmful organic fertiliser:
Amidst a simmering controversy both in and outside Parliament over accusations the SLPP government planned to import harmful organic fertiliser from China, the Chinese Embassy, in Colombo, has urged Sri Lanka and Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group to resolve this issue promptly, and address differences through dialogue, in good faith, for the mutual benefits of the China-Sri Lanka cooperation.
Both the Samagi Jana Balavegaya and the JVP have slammed the government over the moves to import organic fertiliser from China.
The following is the text of the Chinese Embassy statement: “It has been noticed that recently there are several news reports and statements in Sri Lanka claiming that the organic fertilizer to be imported from China contains harmful bacteria. In this regard, the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka contacted the product supplier, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd. to examine the said issue, and found out that these reports and statements, which have already harmed the reputation of the company in question, directly contradict the facts. The Embassy would like to clarify as follows:
* Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Seawin), is a high-tech enterprise focusing in the production of new-type seaweed organic fertilizer, found in 2000 with a registered capital of 132 million RMB (approximately 4.1 billion LKR). Its products, which have passed the EU ECOCERT Organic Certification, OMRI Certification, REACH Certification, and Australian Organic Input Certification etc., have been exported to more than 50 countries and regions in the world, including Europe and the United States. It also set up overseas branch companies in the U.S. and Australia.
* Seawin was selected by the Ministry of Agriculture of Sri Lanka through open tender to supply the urgently needed organic fertilizer.
* The company has undertaken obligations strictly in accordance with the signed contract. In their production process, the organic fertilizer must be sterilized at 600 ?, thus all harmful microorganisms are killed by the high temperature, which is in line with the standards required in the bidding documents, the contract, the letters of credit as well as the widely accepted international standards for organic fertilizers.
* In the process of enforcing the contract, however, the Sri Lanka National Plant Quarantine Services (NPQS) claimed that the sample received contained harmful bacteria including Erwinia, after only THREE (3) days of test and analysis, which lead to the above-mentioned news reports. It is noted that, according to the International Plant Protection Convention, it will take at least SIX (6) days to detect Erwinia. The hasty conclusion made by NPQS lacks scientific basis. As such, the decision made by the authorities to reject Seawin’s organic fertilizer based on the NPQS report is not only questionable but also causing great financial loss to the company.
* Therefore, the Embassy hopes that the related parties on the Sri Lankan side and the Chinese company could coordinate on the principles of respecting science and facts and the spirit of contract with the view to resolving this issue promptly, and address differences through dialogue in good faith for the mutual benefits of the China-Sri Lanka cooperation.”
A meeting was held to discuss post-disaster planning and the reconstruction process, with special focus on flood-prone areas on Monday [8 th of December] at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and attended by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of timely and systematic information and data collection to support timely and effective decision-making on a daily basis following the post disaster situations. The Prime noted that accurate data flows are essential for guiding recovery efforts in the short and long term.
The Representatives outlined the need assessment process using RAPIDA and Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE), the UNDP’s post-crisis assessment initiated by integrating GIS technology, satellite imagery, and ground-level data, to deliver real-time, actionable insights after a crisis to helps identify affected locations, communities, infrastructure damage, debris estimates, and land use changes-providing crucial data.
The representatives of UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government and they expressed their readiness to collaborate closely and to strengthen ongoing partnerships to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of post-disaster response and reconstruction activities.
The discussion was attended by the Country Manager for World Bank Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Resident Representatives for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Azusa Kubota, South Asia Director for United Nations Office for Project Services ((UNOPS), and Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary (Development) Ms Sagarika Bogahawaththa and officials from the Department of National Planning.
[Prime minister’s media division]
News
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation has donated Rs. 250 million to the Government to support the rebuild of the country following the emergency situation caused by the Ditva cyclone.
Chairperson of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, together with the Board of Directors, handed over the cheque to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 08 th of December at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held between the Foundation’s Chairperson, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The occasion was attended by the secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives of the Board of Directors of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600hrs tomorrow [10th December 2025].
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Panvila, Udapalatha, Minipe, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, Thumpane, Doluwa, Pathadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Harispattuwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Pathahewaheta, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Deltota, Medadumbara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Rideegama and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Ukuwela, Pallepola, Rattota, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Yatawatta, Naula, Ambanganga Korale and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita, Kegalle and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district and Nuwara Eliya, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Kothmale West, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha, Walapane, Kothmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have also been extended.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Mirigama, Divulapitiya and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Balangoda, Kuruwita, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Pelmadulla, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Ayagama, Imbulpe and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
Timely and accurate data essential for effective decision making – PM
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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