Gazette on banning chemical fertilizer confusing, GoSL must clarify - Harsha

COLOMBO (News 1st); Concerns are mounting over the legality of the gazette issued by the Finance Minister on the 06th of May banning all chemical fertilizer imports to the country.

Sri Lanka's Committee on Public Finance has raised serious concerns with regard to this gazette as its Chairman Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Fertilizer Seceratiat had pointed out that the gazette in fact bans Nitrate sources from the ground.

The Fertilizer Secretariat had noted that it is now impossible to import organic fertilizers that were ordered via a tender process, said the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance.

Therefore, when the respective gazette is being tabled in parliament it needs to be amended or a fresh gazette needs to be issued.

Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Finance Ministry has agreed to make amends over the gazette.

Dr. Harsha De Silva, who is a member of the Committee on Public Finance said the government must make the gazette clear so the people can understand it.