The Ministry of Defence has claimed a ship entering Sri Lankan waters from China with a stock of fertiliser cannot be deemed a national security threat.
Speaking to media in Kandy, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd.) said although a ship entered Sri Lankan waters from China with a stock of fertiliser based on a purchase order, officials have now rejected the consignment.
The Defence Secretary noted that the stock of fertiliser did not meet the quality standard and therefore has been rejected. He said the ship will not be allowed to unload the stock in the country.
General Kamal Gunaratne stressed that he expect the ship to leave the Sri Lankan shores in the next few days.
The Defence Secretary noted that as the topmost state official in-charge of national security, he sees no security threat despite several claims were made over the ship that entered Sri Lankan waters with a stock of fertiliser from China.
