Senior official at Agriculture Ministry transferred over supply of Urea

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has decided to transfer a senior official in charge of fertilizer supply in the Ministry of Agriculture to another position with immediate effect.

The decision was reached as three months have passed since the Cabinet of Ministers approved the purchase of urea for the Yala season, but no steps have been taken to call for tenders.

The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed concern that the ongoing conflicts between several countries are causing a risk of an increase in the prices of all fertilizers, including urea, in the world market.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, if the fertilizer had been purchased in May when the Cabinet approval was received, it would have been possible to purchase urea at a much lower price. 

At that time, one metric ton of urea could be purchased for about 350 USD. However, the price has now exceeded 650 USD.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the government has incurred a significant financial loss as a result of the delay in purchasing urea.