Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana says a stock of special chemical fertiliser imported specifically to be used in tea cultivation will reach Sri Lanka by the end of November.
The Minister said the chemical fertiliser will be provided for tea cultivation until the production of organic fertiliser in Sri Lanka reaches a satisfactory stage.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by journalists at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held this afternoon.
He added orders have been placed for the stock of fertiliser.
Minister Pathirana said the decision to suspend the use of chemical fertiliser was reached considering the wellbeing of future generations claiming the government had to face several drawbacks when implementing this decision.
Meanwhile, the Minister was questioned over the removal of the Chairman of the Policy Planning Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Prof. Buddhi Marambe from his post.
The Minister in response said Prof. Marambe is vastly knowledgeable in the Sri Lankan agriculture industry adding he was not officially informed of the development.
Meanwhile, Minister Ramesh Pathirana was questioned over a statement made by State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna that powers of the Commissioner General of Essential Services, who was recently appointed under the Emergency Act, have been revoked.
The Minister said the powers of the Commissioner General have not been abolished.
He added in an open market economy the government has to work according to the supply and demand adding that all supply chains in the world have been affected owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister Pathirana stated that while production and manufacturing have been curtailed the government remains aware of the market behaviour and is continuously studying patterns.
