Opinion

Lifting glyphosate ban : Facts and Fiction

Published

2 years ago

2022/10/7

Prof. O.A.Ileperuma

Dr. Ranil Senanayake’s criticism (The Island 22/9/2022) of Dr. Parakrama Waidyanatha’s article which appeared in The Island (19/9/2022) on the lifting of the ban on glyphosate is unfair and does not conform to what is already known. Glyphosate was banned without any scientific basis solely for political reasons. Glyphosate use in Sri Lanka can be traced to 1977, when it was permitted to control weeds on tea plantations. Glyphosate was approved for paddy soils in 1998 but paraquat, which was cheaper, was widely used at that time. When paraquat was phased out by the government in 2014, glyphosate came into regular use. The chronic kidney disease in the North-Central Province had been there long before 2014 and glyphosate absolutely has no role in causing the kidney disease. Furthermore, chronic diseases such as the Rajarata kidney disease manifest only after about 15-20 years of continuous exposure to a toxin. Scientific research has shown that glyphosate undergoes total degradation to harmless glycine and phosphate in the soils in about 7 days. Also, these studies reveal that glyphosate binds strongly to soil and there is less likelihood of it getting leached into the irrigation canals and reservoirs. When applied to paddy fields what is important is whether glyphosate goes into the paddy seeds. It is important to realise that paddy is harvested at least two months after the glyphosate is applied and hence there is no likelihood of the rice seeds getting contaminated.

Dr. Senanayake talks about the biomagnificationm, which is valid not only for glyphosate but also to many other poisons which enter our bodies. An earlier study carried out at the University of Peradeniya revealed the presence of ultratrace levels of pesticides in the drinking waters at Peradeniya. These originate in the widespread use of pesticides in the Nuwara Eliya District. These trace levels of pesticides accumulate in the fatty tissues, a process called bioaccumulation. Human body has a remarkable way to get rid of these poisons; the liver acts as the waste treatment plant and these poisons are detoxified in the liver and excreted through the kidney. However, excessive overloading of our bodies with toxic materials can be detrimental to our health. Dr. Waidyanatha correctly points this out when he says that it is the dose that matters. This in no way justifies excessive use of pesticides in agriculture.

Dr. Senanayake should realise that while organic agriculture practised prior to the 1960s in Sri Lanka was still not sufficient to provide enough rice for its population. The population of Sri Lanka was around 7 million in 1948 and it has increased to about 22 million today. Organic paddy farming can at best provide rice for only about 5 million and even during British rule, rice was imported the country starting from the 1920s. Therefore, agrochemicals are a necessary evil to feed a hungry population. The alternative is to import rice from other countries often having elevated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium.

As regards the chronic kidney disease, scientific research has firmly established that fluoride in combination with hard water is what causes it. It is certainly not caused by irrigation waters contrary to Dr. Senanayake’s claim. The absence of the disease from Anuradhapura and Padaviya townships, where people consume water from irrigation tanks clearly, shows that all these agrochemicals ending up in reservoirs play no role in causing the kidney disease. Perhaps, he is referring to a publication by agriculturists at the University Peradeniya, who postulated that there were very high levels of cadmium arising from the agrochemicals washed out from the hill country ending up in Rajarata reservoirs. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that people who consume irrigation waters are affected by the kidney disease. Several independent researchers have rejected these high cadmium levels because the values for cadmium in water determined at several laboratories in Japan, Germany and Sri Lanka using advanced instrumentation obtained values which are thousand times lower. I am aware of the basic errors in the analytical methods used by these agricultural scientists which led to such high values of cadmium and there is no independent confirmation of these results.

A comprehensive study from the Ginnoruwa area in the Mahaweli Zone C clearly establishes the distinctive role played by fluoride and water hardness causing kidney disease. There are two villages in this area, Sarabhoomi located along the banks of the Mahaweli river and Badulupura located at a higher elevation. While Sarabhoomi has zero kidney patients, Badulupura has over 30% of its adults affected by kidney disease. People in Sarabhoomi consume water from the river itself or from shallow wells located close to the river with low levels of fluoride while Badulupura residents get their water from deep wells which are invariably rich in fluoride and hardness. Hence the argument that irrigation water contaminated with the agricultural runoffs from the hill country causes the kidney disease does not explain why Sarabhoomi residents are not affected by this disease.

I have worked on the Rajarata kidney disease from 2003, when it first came to the limelight and visited most of the areas affected and all kidney patients have consumed fluoride rich water without exception. Most of these patients come from areas far away from any major reservoirs. As a result, they had to dig wells in the remote areas and these invariably reach the bed rock and fluoride leaching from the rocks resulted in the excessive fluoride in these wells. In the ancient agricultural civilisations of Sri Lanka, people lived close to the main reservoirs or its canals and used water from these sources and these invariably had low fluoride levels. However, with the colonisation schemes starting from the 1950s people were provided with lands far away from these reservoirs and they had to dig deep wells to provide them with water. This is the reason why this disease is of relatively recent origin.

In one study from Chettikulam, people are affected not only by the kidney disease but also skeletal fluorosis. The provision of purified water to this area resulted in a considerable reduction of progression of the disease and people who could not even stand up are now doing their previous professions. One patient who was asked undergo a kidney transplant is now able to carry out his farming activities and the doctors have now declared that a transplant is no longer necessary. All these people use water from deep wells and there are no irrigation canals nearby. It is patently clear that the high fluoride levels in their drinking water has caused the disease.

One has to be practical in promoting the popular slogan of toxin free agriculture. Decades of dedicated research by our agricultural scientists have resulted in self-sufficiency in rice. Banning agrochemicals will have a disastrous effect on agricultural productivity. We already see the ill effects of the unwise decision to ban agrochemicals in 2019 which has resulted in severe food shortages and escalating prices of agricultural produce. Public should not be misled by fanciful theories of organic agriculture which only help to create unwarranted and unfounded information about kidney disease and other health effects of agrochemicals and glyphosate.

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Opinion

LG polls, what a waste of money!

Published

2 days ago

2025/03/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?

If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.

One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.

M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera

Opinion

What not to do

Published

3 days ago

2025/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trump and Zelensky arguing in the White House

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!

Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.

Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.

Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.

Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!

Ranil on Al Jazeera

Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.

The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!

Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.

Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!

Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!

Opinion

Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

Published

4 days ago

2025/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.

As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.

The agenda planned for him includes:

Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.

· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.

· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.

· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.

Meditation Retreat

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.

Participation & Registration

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .