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Baurs laboratory services pioneers with ISO accreditation awarded for organic fertilizers

The laboratory services of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd, also known as Baurs, a leading diversified conglomerate with values deeply rooted in its Swiss traditions and a pioneer in the agriculture sector of Sri Lanka known for its various industry-first initiatives and a track-record for continuous innovation, was recently awarded the international standard accreditation for organic fertilizers.
As the industry pioneers, Baurs stepped up to obtain this most sought-after accreditation, ISO/IEC 17025 in organic fertilizer testing in the country and having successfully completed all requirements and adherence to the standards including its management system, technical competency, and the validity of laboratory testing processes, it was awarded during early last Month.
This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey in setting itself as a center of excellence for the sustainable development of the Sri Lankan agriculture sector, actively engaging with numerous stakeholders in the industry. This will help Baurs further enable in promoting sustainable farming practices, improving crop yields and growth, ensuring healthy food for the community, and reducing environmental risks to both the farmers and the wider community.
Baurs has been on the forefront of the transition, pursuing various knowledge-sharing initiatives with globally renowned experts in the field of organic agriculture and actively engaging with various stakeholders in Sri Lanka, with the aim of sharing both sound scientific and technical expertise and insights.
The accreditation also sets the stage for many others to follow suit, setting the benchmark for quality testing standards for organic fertilizers. Being an accredited laboratory, with ISO-17025-2017 being the globally recognized standard for testing and calibration laboratories, assures that organic fertilizer tests are conducted accurately, reliably, and with the highest level of precision, with results consistent with national and international standards acceptable to customers and regulators.
Baurs laboratory was firstly accredited for inorganic fertilizers in 2015, and since then have evolved and transformed to one of the most pioneering and modern laboratory services in the in the fertilizer industry covering a range of fertilizer test methods that are complying with some of the latest ISO standard versions. Since 1997, the laboratory continues to strictly adhere with SLS, ISO standards.
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Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977 to be amended

In par with the “Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak” (A wealthy country – a beautiful life) policy declaration presented to the public by the current government, the citizens have given a mandate to the government to repeal the special benefits given to the former Presidents and their families and to cancel the pension provided to the Members of Parliament 05 years after their tenure.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to instruct the Legal Draftsmen to formulate 02 draft bills to amend the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977; so that cancelling the special benefits granted to former Presidents and their families as well as cancelling the pension of the Members of Parliament will be possible.
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Elderly citizens to get 3% more interest for FDs

As proposed in the budget speech for the year 2025, the government has decided to implement a special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to implement the proposed special fixed deposit scheme as follows:
• To implement this scheme for fixed deposits opened within the period from 01.07.2025 to 31.12.2025 by Sri Lankan citizens of age 60 years or more.
• The period of the fixed deposit is 12 months (one year) and, the maximum deposit value is rupees one million.
• Payment of the higher value from the value when a 3% of additional annual amount to the average weighted fixed deposits rate (AWFDR) or the value when a 3% addition is made to the declared fixed deposit interest rate.
• Allocation of rupees 30 billion for payment of interest relief for this whole programme
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Contract for consultation services for modernizing services of the Department of Meteorology awarded to Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Thailand

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