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Let’s cut the cackle and get on with it : The fertilizer issue

Published

4 years ago

2022/02/13

by Dr. U. Pethiyagoda

It seems that the “Going Organic” tale has lost its novelty and glamour and the matter has been “done and dusted”. Clumsy and ineffective “face-saving” efforts are grossly insufficient.

Obviously, the President cannot be expected to know the background to guide a correct decision on most of the matters that come within his purview. There are too many instances where genuine error or ill-advised steps have to be quickly reversed. Square pegs in square holes cannot move! It is a pity that Our President declared our intent to go totally organic. Apart from the embarrassment, the so called “Chemical Mafia” may react in ways that could be unpleasant. One hopes not.

But, the President, under whose watch, this extraordinarily short-sided operation was launched, has to expect that he has to take the brunt of any criticism. This coterie, (Viyath Maga) which it is said, surrounds and influences him must be made to pay (financially as well) for their sins, folly, (or crimes). I believe that prudence should guide the President to review his trust in such support. I leave it to the competence of drafters of a “New Constitution” to examine ways to prevent a recurrence of this type of colossal tragedy.

“Asewanatcha balanan……..” is the first injunction in the Mahamangala Sutra. In the case of the recent disastrous happenings in the fertilizer matter, I think it is a fair conclusion that opinion (including of those who know the subject), is that increasing the “organic content” of fertilizers is desirable. Though the nutrient content is low in comparison to “artificial or mineral”, the benign effects on soil physical properties and soil biota are significant. But here too, there are unresolved problems, such as unwitting introduction of toxic elements.

As an aside, I was involved long ago, in a study to examine the value of a two-year rejuvenation of tea fields earmarked for replanting, by planting Guatemala or Mana grass. ( the duration varied in different situations), after which the new tea plants are introduced. It seemed that this rotation, produced only a marginal increase of soil Carbon and this too was only transient. It would have been magical if a hundred years of fertility abuse under tea, could be offset by a mere two years under grass. My guess is that the ideal would be alternate 25 year cycles. In that sense the wise farmer would relocate his chena plot.

In summary, abandon the simplistic view of the “Vasa Visa” brigade for a dramatic and radical move to “traditional, organic” farming, as impossible, mythical and misdirected enthusiasm. Although the cry of 100% organic may make good press, it is bad science.

Can the system sustain a possible feared loss of a quarter or so drop in paddy production, with frustrated farmers vowing that they would not cultivate next season’s paddy, unless there is a reversal of this deadly and ill-advised overnight change to organic? The claimed ready availability of suitable “compost” both nationally and internationally, is more rubbishy than a compost heap.

There is a much more serious implication that seems to have escaped notice. The Department of Agriculture is around a century old. As also The CRI, RRI and TRI and more recently, Minor Export Crops. Naturally, much of the experimentation aimed at evolving best practices for maximum productivity. The major means were by evolving appropriate technologies and ensuring reliable supplies of the necessary inputs. Are we really serious about jettisoning the vast effort, devotion and many thousand man hours and millions of rupees expended on trials to evolve the most rewarding use of agrochemicals – fertilizers, pesticides and weed-killers. Who is to foot the bill for what now becomes an astonishing act of idiocy?

The solutions suggested to meet the acute lack of sufficient compost, and tried (at hellish cost), are at the least asinine. One is appalled at the abysmal ignorance of some in authority – (but not in service). Palliatives like “Cabinet reshuffles” will serve no purpose – it will merely provide a chance for the failed, to wreck some other place! In this game, any amount of re-dealing of the same pack will not eliminate “Jokers”.

It seems that a largely ignorant authority does not know that centuries old farming wisdom and experience that paddy needs fertilizer at specific stages of growth, each being of different composition. “Mada pohora” before planting, another to encourage tillering and “Bundi pohora” at heading and grain filling etc. After much fumbling indecision, farmers are finally given the nitrogen rich urea four weeks or so too late! This also at an incredible cost! Will we ever again have ministers, who if they don’t know, are guided by those professionals who do know?

The astonishing methods suggested, for this self-created mess are laughable, if they were not so serious. The hasty import of compost from China has led to unforeseen consequences including diplomatic ones. Anybody who does not realize the limitations of drawing a minute sample from a bulk of some several thousands of tons, cannot be serious. A single case of detection of anything deleterious is cause for rejection. A needle stuck in a haystack has a better chance of being detected. This is a case where a single positive among many negatives is reason for rejecting the whole.

We are told that several million dollars may be claimed by the supplier, whether the cargo is accepted or not. In true “Kekille Style” some genius may decide to save dollars by accepting this stuff, and thus unleashing a public and human health disaster and agricultural risk of introducing new pathogens, causing damage of catastrophic dimension. The circumstance of a Chinese Government involvement in the supplier concerned, presents a further concern.

Then, we go to importing a huge consignment of “liquid nitrogenous” (!) fertilizer (as far as I am aware, a material unknown to Science) from India, at undisclosed and probably huge cost. Many farmers have rejected this foul-smelling material as containing human sewage! As a friend jocularly recalled, PM Narendra Modi promised to have constructed a massive number of latrines to meet a grave shortage. Perhaps India has solved a harrowing problem – finding a customer to receive the stuff and pay for it! Then there was an equally bizarre promise to compensate farmers who have lost income through going organic. How precisely can this be done? Are we totally daft?

All of these problems created through machinations of the evil “Multinationals”,(the British Colonials having lost their currency!).

Incidentally, anyone displaying doubts about such painful inanities, is either a believer of “Pattapal Boru Western Science” or in the pay of evil Multinationals. I am a little peeved. After over five decades of service to the agricultural sector (one way or another), nobody not even those dreadful Multinationals, has shown any inclination to offer me a single dollar or rupee. Have I been short-changed? But then all colleagues I know, are singularly uncorrupt and incorruptible persons of impeccable integrity. So these accusations of bribery are without basis and most unfair.

This whole episode has become a face-saving exercise with several faces needing to be rescued. This is OK if it is free of potential harm. It is a matter of grave regret that The President (possibly misinformed), declared at the UN General Assembly, (no less) that we aim to be the first in the World (or more cynically, the last) country to go one hundred percent organic. Had such a statement been made by a more prominent State Leader, he may never be free of ridicule. We should be thankful that we are only a small country whose Leader’s gaffe goes (hopefully) unnoticed.

It is time for the scientists to consider how best a sensible strategy be developed, to obtain a better integration of the traditional and advanced scientific concepts. This would involve fresh thinking on crop rotation, biological control of pests and diseases, soil and water control, erosion and other undesirable but unavoidable negative environmental consequences, harmonizing responsibilities between the Departments of Agriculture and Veterinary Departments and the CRI, RRI and TRI. There is much that could and must be done. There is no point in making donkeys to bark and dogs to bray. For the immediate future of paddy cultivation, crop rotations, reserves for production of good green manure crops (like “Wal Surya Kantha – Tithonia diversifolia, Glyricidia, Ipil-Ipil and Crotolaria come to mind, The Niyaras could be more systematically used to provide vegetables, yams, and “greens”.

Perhaps we can salvage ourselves from disaster, if it catalyzes a re-visit to the virtues of crop-rotation, fallowing, integration with animal sciences (pasture/fodder) and fish culture. One nostalgically recalls, how during World War Two, paddy lands were able to provide a cornucopia of fresh and palatable vegetables.

Let us grasp this unexpected opportunity.

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News

Discussion on Sri Lanka Customs’ contribution for National Export Development Plan

Published

1 hour ago

2026/06/18

Priyan

A discussion on the modernisation initiatives required within the Sri Lanka Customs and measures to encourage exporters in support of implementing the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030 was held on Wednesday (17) morning at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The meeting, organised by the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Bureau established under the Presidential Secretariat, focused extensively on the modernisation measures required within Sri Lanka Customs to facilitate the expansion of exports.

During the discussion, the Secretary to the President instructed Sri Lanka Customs to enhance the capacity, facilities and modernisation of the Export Facilitation Centre, where export containers are inspected, in order to create a more efficient and exporter-friendly environment.

Attention was also drawn to developing a programme aimed at encouraging exporters across the country to enter the export sector. The Secretary to the President further emphasised the need to review the Temporary Import for Export Processing (TIEP) scheme currently operated by the Customs Industrial Facilitation Division and to introduce a programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have not yet engaged in export activities.

The meeting also explored the possibility of decentralising customs operations to support the expansion of the export sector, with particular attention given to establishing a Customs Export Centre in Jaffna.

Discussions were also held on removing barriers affecting exports conducted through e-commerce platforms. It was decided to hold further discussions with the Department of Posts on measures that could be taken jointly to streamline these processes.

Participants also discussed introducing digital systems to expedite document processing, thereby reducing both, time and costs, as well as implementing a risk-based assessment mechanism that would provide greater facilitation for low-risk exporters.

It was further decided that Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and other relevant institutions would meet monthly under the leadership of the Revenue Administration, Reforms and Modernisation Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat to review progress, identify challenges faced by exporters and discuss appropriate solutions.

The National Export Development Plan has been formulated in line with the national vision, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, with the objective of enhancing Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and achieving an ambitious yet realistic export revenue target of USD 36 billion by 2030.

Director General of Customs Wimal Liyanagama, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Mangala Wijesinghe, Additional Directors General of Sri Lanka Customs T. Loganathan and L.K.S.D.K. Arewatta, Director of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director of the Revenue Administration, Reforms and Modernisation Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat W.L.C. Thilakasiri and senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board were also present.

[PMD]

News

Military held land: Govt. trying to maintain balance between security and civilian needs

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. Jayasekera receiving a field briefing during a recent visit to the Jaffna peninsula (pic courtesy MoD).

The NPP government is trying to maintain a balance between continuing demands for releasing north-east land held by the military and post-war security requirements, says Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), who has undertaken a series of visits to the northern and eastern provinces in the recent past to explore ways and means of releasing the land, without compromising national security requirements.

Since the armed forces brought the war to a successful conclusion in May, 2009, releasing of both privately- and state-owned land began cautiously in October, 2009, and by now over 90 percent of both categories have been released. At the height of the war, before the launch of Eelam War IV, in August 2006, Jaffna peninsula had the largest concentration of troops assigned to four Divisions.

In the first week of June, Deputy Minister Jayasekera visited the Trincomalee District to ascertain the situation. The Defence Ministry said that the Deputy Minister had assessed the current status of such lands and received briefings from senior military officers and relevant officials on security and administrative aspects regarding the properties.

Following the field inspection, the Deputy Minister chaired a meeting at the Governor’s Secretariat Office where the discussion focused on what the Defence Ministry called a balanced and practical approach to address land-related issues, protect the livelihoods of the people, and ensure that national security requirements were properly managed.

Jayasekera, with a career spanning well over three decades, retired in November, 2019, after having last served as the Eastern Commander for about a year.

During his June visit, the Deputy Minister visited various security forces establishments, including the 22 Infantry Division.

A senior retired military official said that those who had been demanding that all security forces held land, both state- and privately-owned, be released, have conveniently forgotten that this was made possible due to the eradication of the LTTE.

The Deputy Defence Minister conducted a series of field visits in the Jaffna and Wanni regions to assess the security situation and operational commitments. According to the Defence Ministry, the Deputy Minister addressed senior tri forces personnel at the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna (SFHQ-J) and the Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni (SFHQ-Wanni).

The Deputy Minister chaired civil-military coordination meetings in the Mannar and Jaffna districts to the ongoing land ownership issues, fostering socio economic growth, and streamlining local infrastructure layout in close cooperation with the regional administrative mechanism. The Ministry said that the Deputy Minister inspected agricultural zones, private residences and public common areas, presently placed within the operational infrastructure of the Sri Lanka Navy across several locations, in Mullikulam, Silawathura, Talaimannar, Wankalapadu, and Pallimune.

Members of Parliament for the Vanni Electoral District, Selvam Adaikalanathan, Kader Masthan, Thurairasa Ravikaran and the District Secretary for Mannar were also present at the meeting where matters related to socio economic grievances, local infrastructure demands, and land rights of the local residents were central topic in the agenda.

The Deputy Minister of Defence chaired a second meeting at the Governor’s Office in Jaffna where the main focus was existing land issues in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna.

The Jaffna proceedings were co-chaired by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee for the Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe.

The Defence Ministry said that stability depended on striking an optimal balance between prioritising national security obligations and resolving outstanding issues related to both state owned and privately used lands. “We are implementing a transparent mechanism to swiftly transition designated lands back into the hands of local communities for housing, fishing, and agriculture.”

The participation of the Commander of the Army and the Commander of the Navy underscored the importance of the discussions held in the north.

In the Mannar region the focus was on lands, presently used by the Navy, in the areas of Mullikulam, Silawathura, Talaimannar, Wankalapadu, and Pallimunai.

Authoritative sources said that since the end of the war, the military had given up held areas and what remained occupied were essential for security purposes. The depletion of the area under direct control should be examined taking into consideration gradual overall reduction of combined security forces strength over the years. At the end of the war, the Army had approximately 205,000 officers and men, both regular and volunteer. That figure has been reduced to 150,000 to 160,000. In line with the government thinking the Army strength would be brought down to 100,000 by 2030, a plan first announced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Yoshitha granted bail, travel ban imposed

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ex-Navy officer Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, being taken to the Colombo Chief Magistrate's court yesterday.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Lahiru de Silva yesterday granted bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on three sureties of Rs. 5 million each, and imposed an overseas travel ban.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Yoshitha yesterday morning when he called over to make a statement regarding an ongoing investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and training at the UK Royal Naval Academy.

CIABOC said that the arrest had been made in connection with an investigation into the 2006 recruitment of cadet officers to the executive branch of the Sri Lanka Navy.

It has been alleged that individuals were recruited without meeting the required qualifications and state funds were used outside established procedures for their training at the Royal Naval Academy in the UK.