(Lanka-e-News -28.April.2025, 11.05 PM) A former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, now serving as Chief Secretary of the Uva Provincial Council, has been ordered into remand custody until May 5, following allegations linked to a controversial fertiliser import from China.
Mahesh Gammanpila, the senior official in question, was remanded by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali today (28), over accusations that he facilitated a financial loss to the Sri Lankan government by recommending payment for a consignment of substandard organic fertiliser imported from a Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech.
The fertiliser consignment, imported in 2021, triggered a major public outcry at the time, after tests revealed that the product did not meet local agricultural standards. Despite concerns, authorities were advised to proceed with the opening of letters of credit, leading to the release of 75 percent of the payment—approximately USD 6.9 million—for the defective shipment.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Gammanpila earlier today following an inquiry into the matter.
After considering submissions, the Magistrate ruled that Gammanpila be remanded until May 5 pending further investigations.
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by (2025-04-28 18:36:13)
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