Govt. rations stocks as imports falter

By Ifham Nizam

The government faces a looming fertiliser crisis ahead of the 2026 Yala season, with a sharp shortfall in urea threatening paddy yields and food security.

Experts have warned that the fertiliser shortage will take its toll on the yala harvest.

With just over 100,000 tonnes of fertiliser in stock by early March—barely enough for paddy cultivation alone—and more than half of expected imports either cancelled or delayed, the government has moved to ration supplies through Agrarian Service Centres, based on last year’s consumption.

Leading crop scientist Professor Buddhi Marambe has warned that while rationing is unavoidable, it will reduce productivity. “Even last season we applied below recommended levels. This year, the gap will be worse,” he said.

Authorities are prioritising paddy, followed by maize and tea, as limited stocks are stretched across crops.

However, experts estimate yields could fall by 15–20% if nutrient shortages persist—raising the risk of higher food prices in the months ahead.

The crisis has been worsened by global disruptions, including Gulf conflict affecting fertiliser shipments and precautionary export restrictions by key suppliers, such as China.

Although the Government is pursuing deals with countries like Russia, supplies remain uncertain.

With global urea prices surging and production costs rising, smallholder farmers are expected to be the hardest hit.

“This is a wake-up call,” Prof. Marambe said, urging urgent steps to build buffer stocks and strengthen Sri Lanka’s long-term food security strategy.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) spokesman Pubudu Jayagoda says the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court order that the ruling JVP hand back the FSP’s Kirindiwela office, grabbed by a group of JVP politicians on 02 September, 2025, has shown that the government cannot undermine the law.

Jayagoda said that the FSP had been compelled to move the court against the JVP as the Gampaha police refused to intervene due to political pressure. “They probably thought we were going to give up that office. Perhaps, the ruling party felt they could forcibly occupy other FSP offices,” Jayagoda said.

FSP’s Administrative Secretary Chamira Koswatta and trade unions, which operated from the Salmal Garden office, sought the court intervention to confirm the ownership of that building in the FSP. The court initially transferred the building to the police and issued a directive to law enforcement authorities to remove the JVP/NPP from that building.

Among the 20 respondents was Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP. Those now identified themselves as FSP quit the JVP in 2011 and later formed their own party.

Gampaha Additional Magistrate Shilani Perera on Monday ruled that the legitimate owner was the FSP. The Magistrate ruled that the FSPers had been forced out of that office, illegally.

Jayagoda said that the FSP considered the court ruling a victory for democracy and a devastating blow to the increasingly authoritarian JVP/NPP rule.

Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General K.T.P. De Silva has emphasised the strategic importance of maintaining a strong military presence in Kilinochchi to ensure long term peace and stability.

Maj. Gen. De Silva said so recently during visits to bases in the area coming under the purview of the 55 Infantry Division, according to a website of the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna.

The armed forces brought the war against separatist terrorists to a successful conclusion in May 2009.

During the visit, Maj. Gen. De Silva inspected several key units, including the 6 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 14 Sri Lanka National Guard, 7 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Battalion Training School (Mulankavil), and 11 (V) Gajaba Regiment.

The Commander highlighted the need to respect the cultural traditions of the Northern Province while carrying out military duties responsibly, ensuring civilian safety and harmony. He underscored the importance of discipline, professionalism, and maintaining a balanced approach between military and civilian engagements.

He also warned against issues such as the misuse of social media and drug related activities, stressing the vital role of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in upholding discipline and accountability. He also called for improved training standards, particularly in drill and weapon handling, and emphasised the importance of regular soldier interviews to address concerns and enhance overall effectiveness.

During interactive sessions with Officers and Other Ranks, he discussed troop welfare and stressed the need to improve sanitary facilities, accommodation, and living conditions. He also observed ongoing battalion training conducted by the 4 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment at the Battalion Training School (Mulankavil).