• Finds that only 3 out of 40 alleged agrochemicals ‘highly hazardous’

Refuting the findings of a report compiled by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) that 40 types of highly hazardous and internationally banned agrochemicals including insecticides, pesticides and herbicides are being used in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that only three of those agrochemicals are found to be highly hazardous as per the criteria considered by the Registrar of Pesticides.

A recent report prepared by the CEJ had claimed that about 40 types of highly hazardous agrochemicals that have been banned internationally, are being used in Sri Lanka. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had then instructed the Ministry Secretary to pay attention to the matter, find out if such agrochemicals are being used in the country, and submit a report as soon as possible.

The Media Director of the Ministry, Dharma Wanninayake told The Daily Morning that the Secretary had instructed the Registrar of Pesticides to see if there is any truth to the allegations, and compile a report on the matter. The relevant report had been handed over to the Secretary yesterday (7).

In the report, Wanninayake said that it had been revealed that out of the 40 types of agrochemicals mentioned in the CEJ's report, only three fall within the category of highly hazardous agrochemicals. "The Registrar of Pesticides considers eight criteria to determine if a certain agrochemical is highly hazardous. Those criteria have even been recognised by the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. As per those criteria, only three types of agrochemicals (Glyphosate, Carbosulfan and Profenofos) are highly hazardous." Noting that the said three agrochemicals are used for paddy, maize and ornamental flower cultivations, he said that they have been registered under the relevant regulations. "These are registered and regulated for specific uses in agriculture. Some of them can be replaced upon proper evaluation and the recommendation of suitable alternatives. The specific options for limiting the use of them can be implemented upon regulatory and policy decisions taken by the relevant Technical Advisory Committee."