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UNP Deputy Leader praises Plant Quarantine officers who detected harmful bacteria in Chinese fertiliser sample

Published

4 years ago

2021/09/23

Speaking during a zoom meeting with the party’s youth members, on party reinforcement projects, alongside its 75th anniversary programmes on Tuesday, the UNP deputy leader said: “Officials of the National Plant Quarantine Services, coming under the Department of Agriculture, have detected harmful residues, including Erwinia bacteria, of which some species are plant pathogens which destroy crops, in sample tested from organic fertiliser brought from China. There are reports that the sample contained harmful micro-organisms made from municipal waste. Environmentalists have warned that organic fertiliser from animal or plant waste could contain harmful pathogens.”

Ruwan Wijewardene said that businessmen close to the government were involved in importing foreign municipal waste under the label of organic fertiliser. “There are reports that government wants to help their crony businessmen somehow to deliver it here because claims are made that the sample was wrong. Another theory being promoted is that the bacteria had been introduced to the sample on its way here from China. Fingers of government suspicion have also been levelled at the officials of Plant Quarantine Service. We have information that some officials are harassed and intimidated. They are threatened to be summoned before the CID. They should instead be given promotions for their saving of this country from the bacteria, harmful to animals, plants, and people, while destroying many cultivation in the country. The Agriculture Minister should get the CID to probe not the officials but the businessmen’s racket that attempted to bring this and the suspicious process in which they were awarded with the tender to import organic fertiliser. A tender was placed to buy fertilisers with 17 percent nitrogen. The suppliers said they can’t find fertilisers with 17 percent nitrogen. All importers withdrew except one. This one intends to import fertilisers that only have 5-8 percent nitrogen. The CID should investigate the process of the deal.”

Wijewardene said that the government had banned chemical fertiliser so that interested parties could import organic fertiliser from China which could be harmful. He said a China-based company, had now got a 63 million US dollar contract to supply organic fertiliser. “And that company, too, is trying to pump municipal waste containing bacteria which destroy crops. The officers who made the detection now live in fear and we call on the government to stop such coercion immediately because the right thing it should be doing is checking some more samples if they are not sure of the results of the test that has already been carried out,” he said adding that if not for their services the country could have lost its crops and would have had to depend on China for food.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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 above table 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.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

11 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.