News
MONLAR alleges foul play in not testing imported fertiliser
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.
The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, accompanied by his spouse, visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa on Wednesday (20) to pay homage.
The Indian Air Force Chief and his delegation were warmly received upon their arrival at the temple premises by the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
A notable feature of the visit was Air Chief Marshal Singh’s adherence to his cultural heritage; honouring his Sikh identity, the Air Chief Marshal was attired in traditional Sikh clothing during his visit to the sacred temple.
Text and Pic By S.K. Samaranayake
Police yesterday announced that the closing date for applications to recruit Apprentice Police Constables, Women Police Constables, and Police Constable Drivers has been extended until June 1, 2026.
Recruitment is being conducted in line with Government Gazette Notification No. 2482 dated March 27, 2026, with applications accepted exclusively through the online system.
The initial deadline was May 8, 2026, but according to Gazette Notification No. 2489 dated May 15, 2026, the closing date has now been extended.
Applicants facing difficulties in submitting online applications have been advised to contact the Police Apprentice Recruitment Division for assistance via the telephone numbers 071-8591925, 011-2505202, or 011-2552953.
The Sri Lankan Government yesterday expressed deep concern over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir allegedly depicting the dehumanising treatment of detainees linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said Sri Lanka was engaging with the Israeli Foreign Ministry through diplomatic channels to secure immediate consular access to the affected Sri Lankan national.
The Ministry said discussions were also underway to obtain assurances regarding the individual’s safety, wellbeing and dignity, while facilitating her swift and safe return to Sri Lanka.
The statement further emphasised that the Government remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare and protection of Sri Lankan citizens overseas.
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