Two state institutions giving contradictory reports on organic fertiliser imported from China have damaged diplomatic ties with China, Minister of Organic Fertiliser Production and Promotion Shasheendra Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday.
Speaking during the committee stage debate on the budget, Minister Rajapaksa said the Sri Lanka Standard Institute had cleared the fertiliser imported from China while the laboratory of Plant Quarantine Unit had issued a contrasting report that the consignment contains harmful substances. “Two state institutions of the same country had issued contrasting reports that had resulted in damaging of Sri Lanka’s long lasting ties with China. China is hurt about this development,” the minister said.
“We need to maintain a good diplomatic relationship with China. Government, Opposition politicians and media are responsible for this crisis,” he added.
Explaining the real situation pertaining to the fertiliser and agro chemicals issue, the minister said some forms of agro chemicals and fertiliser which are least harmful are allowed to be imported temporarily.
“Organic cultivation will continue and those farmers who will use organic fertiliser will be provided with a special payment," he said.(Daily Mirror)