The Election Commission (EC) stated it has no objections to the government’s decision to provide a fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 25,000 to paddy farmers.
Speaking to ‘Daily Mirror’, Commissioner of General Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has 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.”
The statement comes amid much confusion regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture – Mr. M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe has also announced the provision of Rs. 25,000 per hectare allowance to paddy farmers.
He said this while speaking to media after a discussion held with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier in today (Oct. 03).
“This morning, 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…Therefore, there is no hindrance to provide the fertiliser subsidy, ” he added.
