Govt bans import of chemical herbicide, glyphosate, into Sri Lanka

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The Government has promulgated regulations banning the import of the chemical herbicide, glyphosate, into Sri Lanka.

The relevant gazette is published on the official website of the Government Printing Department and dated June 11, 2015. It is signed by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

Differences emerged within the Government last week over President Maithripala Sirisena's verbal directive to ban glyphosate on account of some scientists claiming it was the cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). These hypotheses are yet to be proved.

Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake told the Sunday Times that there would not be a complete ban of glyphosate. Instead, the chemical would be issued in controlled amounts to the estate sector. He also said it would be completely prohibited in vegetable and paddy cultivation from the Maha season that starts in October.

However, Minister Karunanayake, under whose purview the Department of Import and Export Control falls, maintained that glyphosate would be banned on a decision taken jointly by the President, the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He said there was no agreement to allow its import in limited amounts.

See Gazette Announcement

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