The Chinese embassy officials have been informed that the controversial Chinese fertilizer ship will not be allowed to dock in Sri Lanka, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe said.
Prof. Udith Jayasinghe further stated that the Chinese Embassy officials were informed about this during a discussion held between the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Embassy officials regarding the Chinese fertilizer ship which has been rejected by Sri Lanka causing controversy.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Embassy held discussions in the background of the Chinese company Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co Ltd which sent the rejected shipment demanding, through its local lawyer M.J.S. Fonseka, a compensation of US $ 08 million from Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi, Additional Director of the National Plant Quarantine Service of the Department of Agriculture.
The Chinese company has denying the allegations that the National Plant Quarantine Service plant found Arvinia bacteria in its fertilizer samples, and has demanded $ 8 million in damages for publishing an untrue report and damaging its reputation.
In this context, the Chinese embassy officials have been informed by the Ministry of Agriculture that there is a court decision regarding the controversial Chinese fertilizer ship.
During a lengthy discussion with Chinese embassy officials, the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe stated that due to the decision taken by the National Plant Quarantine Service, it was not possible to allow the relevant stocks of fertilizer to unload in Sri Lanka.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
