Election Commission responds to provision of fertilizer subsidy

3 October 2024 07:22 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 18 Bookmark

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Colombo, October 03 (Daily Mirror) - Amid confusion surrounding the government's decision to provide a fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 25,000 to paddy farmers, the Election Commission (EC) stated it has no objections to the move.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Commissioner of General Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said, "This decision was initially made by the previous government, which the EC withdrew as it was seen as a move to promote a candidate."

"However, the latest move to grant the fertiliser subsidy by the new government is the execution of the earlier decision," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe today announced the provision of an allowance of Rs. 25,000 per hectare to paddy farmers.

Comments - 18

Sirimewan Thursday, 03 October 2024 09:20 PM

There you go. No excuses.

2 16

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 03 October 2024 09:29 PM

They had objections when Ranil gave concessions. Is this department filled with NPP members too?

45 36

Kays Thursday, 03 October 2024 10:30 PM

The way preferential votes were counted, answers your question.

16 20

Joseph Fernandopulle Friday, 04 October 2024 06:25 AM

@ Tissa - I agree with you. Our people can't remember that there was a shortage of fertiliser due to GRs organic agriculture policy. Then there was a case of substandard fertiliser imported from China. It was Hon Ranil Wickremasinghe who cleared the fertiliser shortage and ensured an interrupted supply. Since he built the economy gradually, we are now in a position to give an increased fertiliser subsidy. Whatever the case, increasing the fertiliser subsidy at a threshold of an election is a clear violation of election laws despite the decision being taken by the previous regime. Those who came to uphold the law to the last letter grossly violating them. May almighty God bless my nation!

4 2

BanduXX Thursday, 03 October 2024 10:56 PM

In the case of Ranil, there were contradictions that many concessions he tried to give were those he had said were not possible a couple of months earlier and so to give them suddenly was an inducement. But the Fertilier subsidy given by current govt is what was promised in their manifesto which as endorsed by the majority. So it should go ahead.

19 49

Sampath Friday, 04 October 2024 12:30 AM

This govt. does not earned an additional cent. It is the money earned by the previous govt. Ranil wanted to give it in last month couple of months back. Anyway according to EC this is a decision made by Ranil and the credit should go to him.

7 3

P Kunchithapathan Friday, 04 October 2024 02:46 AM

To address the pressing issue of food security, stabilizing the supply of essential commodities has become imperative, especially as the most vulnerable segments of our society bear the brunt of the ongoing economic crisis. Should the price of rice continue to surge, the government will be left with no recourse but to resort to imports, a decision that would inevitably strain our foreign currency reserves. In this context, the provision of a fertilizer subsidy emerges as not only a viable but necessary intervention. Such a policy would exert pressure on entrenched market forces, including rice cartels, compelling them to lower prices and ensure affordability. Hence, this strategy represents a prudent and constructive step forward.

0 4

Kamal David Friday, 04 October 2024 04:08 AM

Hmm what does the election commision have to with this?

2 0

Ram P Friday, 04 October 2024 04:53 AM

EC argument in allowing the subsidy has merit. But there will be miscreant who will criticise. That is democracy

2 2

Herman Perera Friday, 04 October 2024 05:22 AM

Farmers are an Essential Part of our Lives. It is not you

1 3

Srilankan Friday, 04 October 2024 06:00 AM

SL is back to Normal.

0 1

prageethw Friday, 04 October 2024 06:22 AM

I mean, how stupid is it to wait until the election is over to give farmers subsidies to grow? Is it not a seasonal issue?

1 3

A Supporter of Farmers Friday, 04 October 2024 07:39 AM

Farmers must be supplied with fertilizers when they need them. EC cannot decide when to supply fertilizers to farmers just because there is an election.

2 1

Krish Friday, 04 October 2024 08:50 AM

For starters Paddy has to be cultivated before November and December. So this must happen now. Otherwise this is useless until Yala Kanna.

0 2

Sri Lankan Citizen Friday, 04 October 2024 08:56 AM

RW's effect will continue for long..!

3 1

Krish Friday, 04 October 2024 12:21 PM

All who doesn't agree this should know the fact the this is Maha cultivation period. If we didn't get this now. Maha season is ruined. Of course these idiots cannot get pass there narrow political view point and of course no clue about agriculture.

0 1

P COOREY Friday, 04 October 2024 01:47 PM

Of course you are as ignorant as much as an idiot, not knowing to forecast of need of Fertiliser for Maha Cultivation for farmers before dissolve of Parliament. Also you could not understand Election Laws prohibition of any favour to public by government at Elections declared..Who is having narrow political view? Other than you and the crusaders covering behind an cabinet decision of another government Funny isn't it to even to defend on President directive that was not in consistent of their political campaign of blame.... blame .. corruptions etc

0 0

Joseph Friday, 04 October 2024 01:57 PM

Seems that law is not equal

1 0

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