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MONLAR alleges foul play in not testing imported fertiliser

Published

4 years ago

2020/11/2

by Rathindra Kuruwita

A large quantity of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) Fertiliser containing significant heavy metals had been released to the market, Chinthaka Rajapakshe, Moderator of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) alleged yesterday.

Rajapakshe told The Island that there was a high probability that the fertilizer currently released to the market were of low quality and high in heavy metals, as the National Fertiliser Secretariat had stopped testing samples at local labs, he added.

“Earlier, on March 30, 2020, the National Fertiliser secretariat informed companies that import fertiliser that due to COVID-19 Pandemic situation all of the laboratories which analysed fertilizer had been closed, and, therefore, the fertiliser samples could tested. The NFS has said that as ensuring food security is critical at this moment and an “internationally accredited laboratory analytical report is adequate to release imports to the market.

“This has happened again last month,” Rajapakshe said

Rajapakshe said that the NFS directive was contrary to a number of policy decisions taken by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration to encourage environmentally friendly agriculture. “For example on March 04, 2020, Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli, Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development, Neil Bandara Hapuhinna said they had instructed senior officials that they should prioritise reducing the use of artificial fertiliser. On March 30, Hapuhinna instructed officials to reduce the TSP Fertiliser as they contain significant heavy metals.”said.

The MONLAR Moderator said that releasing fertiliser based on a report submitted by the foreign export company was not a judicious policy. “Food security is important. But releasing low quality fertiliser that can be high in toxicity will not help anyone,” he said.

Repeated attempts to contact the Director of the National Fertiliser Secretariat failed.

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

22 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

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

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 table below 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.