22 September 2022 06:35 am Views - 95
BY Lakmal Sooriyagoda
A Fundamental Rights petition filed by an environmental organization seeking an order suspending the operation of Gazette notification issued to import pesticide glyphosate was yesterday fixed for support by Supreme Court. Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Murdu Fernando, Gamini Amarasekara and Kumuduni Wickremasinghe fixed the petition to be taken up for support on October 12.
An Extraordinary Gazette notification had been issued allowing the importation of pesticide glyphosate with effect from 05 August 2022.
The petitioners, the Centre for Environmental Justice and its directors are seeking an order directing the authorities to formulate an action plan to phase out pesticides, glyphosate and other agrochemicals within 6 months. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Registrar of Pesticides, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services, Director General of Health Services, Central Environmental Authority and Attorney General were named as the respondents in the petition.