No One Will Be Pardoned: Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne

09-Aug-2025

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Due to the importation of substandard fertilizer from a Chinese company, Sri Lanka was compelled to pay USD 6.9 million as compensation. 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne stated that there will be no forgiveness for those involved in this misconduct and that strict legal action has already been taken.

Speaking during the oral question session in Parliament on August 7, in response to questions posed by MP Sunil Ratnasiri, the Deputy Minister elaborated further. 

He revealed that during the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a procurement process was irregularly carried out to purchase 96,000 metric tons of fertilizer from a Chinese company. 

In the first phase, permission was granted to import 20,505 metric tons.

However, after it was discovered that the imported fertilizer could adversely affect Sri Lanka’s climate, the shipment was anchored at sea without being brought to port. 

This situation created a significant crisis for the country. 

Ultimately, Sri Lanka did not receive even a single metric ton of the fertilizer, yet had to pay USD 6.9 million in compensation. He assured that those responsible for this irregularity would face appropriate legal action and that no one will be granted a pardon.