(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today informed the Maha Sangha including the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter that he will not reverse the steps taken to use organic fertilizer to ensure a healthy future generation.
The President also said that farmers would not be inconvenienced during the implementation of the program to use only organic fertilizer.
President Rajapaksa explained that due to the use of chemical fertilizers, farmers in many parts of the island suffer from a number of non-communicable diseases including kidney disease and the damage to the environment is enormous. The government also spends more than $ 400 million annually on chemical fertilizer imports.
The President also pointed out to the Maha Sangha that the use of organic fertilizer would enable to provide the money drawn to foreign institutions to the farmers of the country.
The President made these remarks when he called on the Maha Nayaka Thera and other members of the Asgiriya Chapter 27th morning (27), President’s Media Division said.
President Rajapaksa stated that the country was able to make tremendous progress in a short period of time before 2015 as government officials did not hesitate to make decisions.
However, the President said these officials had to face various pressures during the last government period, including imprisonment on false charges, adding that in implementing the government’s current development plans, officials have been reluctant to make decisions and take action for fear of being punished in the future. Therefore, it is unfortunate that many activities in the country are being stalled, the President said.
Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, commended the President for his efforts to uplift the country by successfully combating the Covid epidemic.
The President briefed the Chief Prelate on the vaccination program being carried out to control Covid-19 epidemic in the country.
The Chief Prelate chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the President. The Custodian of the Muthiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Dr. Muruthdeniye Dhammaratana Thero was also present at the occasion.
