No politicians involved in Chinese organic fertilizer scam: Minister

8 December 2023 11:29 am Views - 1277

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Parliament, Dec. 8 (Daily Mirror)- Acknowledging that there has been a scam in connection with the reversing of inferior quality organic fertilizer from China and making a payment of USD 6.7 million to the supplier, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said only a group of state officials have been involved in it, according to initial investigations.  

Responding to an oral question raised by MP Dayasiri Jayasekera in Parliament, Minister Amaraweera said the initial reports have revealed that no politicians are involved in the scam. 

“I have decided to appoint a commission chaired by a retired judge. The final appointment will be made shortly and the commission will be able to begin the probe soon,” the Minister said.

The Minister accepted that a payment of USD 6.7 million has been made to the supplying company even though the stock had been sent back.