Chemical fertiliser imports to be stopped: President

• Says pollution and health issues outweigh benefits 
• Govt. can save $ 400 m from stopping imports
• Pledges to encourage organic fertiliser production to meet demand gap

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured that importation of chemical fertilisers will be completely halted in the near future, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said Thursday. 

The PMD statement quoted President Rajapaksa pointed out that while usage of chemical fertilisers led to better harvests, the negative consequences of water pollution and illnesses outweighed benefits.

“The expenses to treat these patients and the impact on human lives caused by these chemical fertilisers remain high. In order to produce a healthy and productive citizenry, the Government must ensure the right of the people to access a non-toxic and balanced diet,” President Rajapaksa said, adding that measures would be taken to ensure that only organic fertiliser would be used by the agriculture sector in the future.

The President made these remarks during a meeting held with the heads of State corporations and statutory boards at the President’s House on Thursday.

It was noted that all respective parties should intervene to increase the production of organic fertiliser in the country. The President said that organic fertiliser would be provided in lieu of the concessionary fertiliser package for farmers. 

The President highlighted that the annual sum of $ 400 million spent on fertiliser imports could be used to uplift the lives of the people. The President said that the people expected a change in policy by electing him into the office, adding that everyone’s support was needed to fulfil those aspirations for the country.

Lanka Sugar Company Ltd., which has incurred continuous losses over the years, has made a profit of Rs. 1,100 million following the ban on ethanol imports. The Lanka Sugar Company Chairman said that about 2,500 employees who were on contract basis for about some 20 years had been made permanent and given promotions and bonuses from the profit.

The chairpersons pointed out that the President’s program had helped transform many loss-making institutions into profitable ones.

It was noted that the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ National Policy Framework clearly sets out the goals that the institutions must achieve, while the progress of the institutions under the purview of Cabinet and State Ministries have also been clearly enumerated in the National Policy Framework. President Rajapaksa told the chairpersons to work with collective responsibility and commit to achieving the policy change aspired by the people.

Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Senior Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Finance Ministry Secretary S.R. Attygalle were also present at the occasion.