Top Agriculture Official Held Over Chinese Fertiliser Scam

 

Former Senior Official in Hot Water Over Chinese Fertiliser Controversy

Mahesh Gammanpila, the former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). He is accused of playing a central role in the scandal surrounding the import of substandard organic fertilizer from China.

$6.9 Million Loss to the Nation: How It Happened

The arrest stems from allegations that, in 2021, Mr. Gammanpila authorized the reopening of suspended Letters of Credit (LCs) for a fertilizer shipment from Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd., even after lab tests revealed the products failed to meet Sri Lankan standards. This decision is believed to have caused a massive financial loss of around USD 6.9 million to the government.

Court Drama: Bail Denied, Remanded Until 2025!

Mr. Gammanpila was brought before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on April 28. After hearing the serious allegations and reviewing the evidence, the Magistrate rejected bail and ordered that he be remanded in custody until May 5, 2025.

Toxic Shipment Exposed: Dangerous Bacteria Detected!

The controversial fertilizer was initially ordered as part of Sri Lanka’s 2021 nationwide shift to organic farming. However, inspections by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Department of Agriculture confirmed that the shipment contained harmful bacteria and did not meet local agricultural standards, leading to its rejection.

Deepening Scandal: More Arrests Could Follow

Investigators from the Bribery Commission say the probe into this high-profile scandal is ongoing. Authorities have hinted that more individuals linked to the fraudulent deal could soon be arrested as the net widens.