No objection over provision of fertilizer subsidy: EC

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Amid confusion surrounding the government’s decision to provide a fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 to paddy farmers, the Election Commission (EC) stated it has no objection 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 fertilizer 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 yesterday (03) announced the provision of Rs. 25,000 per hectare allowance to paddy farmers.   
The decision was reached during a discussion with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.   

“The President visited the Ministry of Agriculture for a progress review with officials. He advised to implement a QR code system for farmers to purchase fertiliser, allowing the necessary information to be captured. Once it is done, the relevant amount will be processed through a banking system,” the Secretary said.   

“Hence, there is no hindrance to provide the fertilizer subsidy,” he added.