Rs 1.3Bn wasted in importing organic fertilizers from China

29 November 2023 01:27 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo (Daily Mirror) - It has been uncovered that a staggering sum of Rs 1.3 billion was paid to a Chinese company for the import of organic fertilizers, despite failing crucial tests and lacking the necessary approvals from the Director General of Agriculture.

The ill-fated transaction has left the agriculture sector in dismay, raising questions about accountability and the due diligence process.

This was revealed in the annual report 2022 of the Auditor General.

According to the report, the import of 96,000 metric tons of organic fertilizer, intended for use across 500,000 hectares in the 2021/2022 Maha season, took place without obtaining the mandatory Phytosanitary certificate and import permit in accordance with the Plant Protection Act No.35 of 1999.

This oversight has not only violated regulatory procedures but also jeopardized the agricultural output for the season.

The National Plant Quarantine sample tests, a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficacy of imported agricultural inputs, reportedly failed for the Chinese organic fertilizer in question. Despite these red flags, the fertilizer was imported, leading to a colossal financial loss of Rs 1,383 million, with no tangible benefits to the farming community.

Officials are now under scrutiny for their role in approving the import without adherence to established protocols. The incident has sparked concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the procurement process for agricultural inputs.

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Comments - 12

Hard Truth Wednesday, 29 November 2023 02:08 PM

Aiya balagani.

ravin Wednesday, 29 November 2023 02:10 PM

Do not worry much . Behind the scene man had purchase few assets for himself and family. Let the masses suffer. Vote for him again.

Ram Wednesday, 29 November 2023 02:11 PM

Charge those responsible, including the politicians, for gross negligence and try to recover from them at least some part of the loss

Bandu Wednesday, 29 November 2023 03:11 PM

As usual this will be pulled and pushed till the problem is forgotten. Still no proper inquiry into this colossal blunder which made some rich.

Grace Wednesday, 29 November 2023 03:39 PM

You waste and we will pay through taxes by tightening our belts and purses

Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 29 November 2023 04:23 PM

Was this not Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was behind this transaction

Karalasingam Sivalingam Wednesday, 29 November 2023 09:19 PM

Recover the loss incurred from officials responsible for this import.

lal Wednesday, 29 November 2023 11:02 PM

Who will recover

Samantha Fernando Wednesday, 29 November 2023 09:40 PM

so.. no legal action against the former GMOA and their members (few have left the country, one, so called doctor from my Alma mater in negombo stated all in the Katana electorate are buffaloes since GR did not win there) who parroted this nonsense? are they not equally responsible for this? these economic parasites!

sira Thursday, 30 November 2023 01:32 AM

This is Chamal beloved sons doing with Aluthgamages blessing.. Some officers helped. all should be brought to justice and make them pay. confiscate their assets to recover the funds. we the masses can't keep paying their blunders.

Namal Udabandu Thursday, 30 November 2023 03:01 PM

Where is Gobbaya? Enjoying with RW and Myna!

NV Jen Thursday, 30 November 2023 04:24 PM

Mahindananda and the officials involved need to be punished for this heinous crime that took place at the height of forex shortage.

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Rs 1.3Bn wasted in importing organic fertilizers from China

Comments - 12

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