The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has implemented all necessary steps to clear the imported fertilizer that arrived in Bulk Carriers at the Port of Colombo, SLPA said in a press statement yesterday.
“It is regrettable to observe that some media and social media channels are spreading false propaganda accusing that inconveniences have arisen during the clearance of imported fertilizer from the Port of Colombo.
“According to the information of the Fertilizer Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, the annual fertilizer requirement in the country is 708,000 Metric Tonnes. The amount of Urea fertilizer required for the “Maha” season alone is 149,000 Metric Tonnes.
“The SLPA has carried out its duties properly in the clearance of fertilizer required for agricultural activities in the country without any hindrance. The SLPA did not abdicate that responsibility in any way. However, the time frame of importing fertilizer has changed in 2020 due to some unknown reason which unfortunately does not come under the purview of the SLPA.
“Therefore, the first ship carrying the required fertilizer for this year’s “Maha” season arrived at the Port of Colombo in September. Only five fertilizer ships (Bulk Carriers) have arrived at the Port of Colombo from September to October. But, eight Bulk Carriers carrying fertilizer arrived at the Port of Colombo in November alone. Even under such circumstances, the SLPA has utilized the maximum capacity of its terminals to systematically unload the imported fertilizer from ships and clear them from the Port of Colombo,” the SLPA explained in its press statement.