Lankan planters' hail decision to lift ban on glyphosate

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has commended a Government decision to lift the ban on the importation of glyphosate-based weedicides in view of the overwhelming scientific consensus that the substance is not harmful to human health. 

“At the outset we wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of Plantation Industries, Navin Dissanayake for the pivotal role he played amidst a great deal of opposition, in order to preserve and protect an industry that continues to serve as the lifeblood of our nation,” a media release issued by the association said on Wednesday.

“This onerous ban is already estimated to have caused crop losses up to Rs. 15 billion in 2016 and up to Rs. 20 billion in 2017 but at least now we can begin the difficult but necessary work to reverse the serious damage done to our estates as a result of the ban. In that regard, we are encouraged that even at this late stage, that policy makers were willing to listen to reason, and take into account the overwhelming and indisputable scientific evidence that this substance is not harmful to human health, and is moreover a vital component in the sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s plantations sector,” Chairman of Planters’ Association, Sunil Poholiyadde stated. (SD)