Navy nabs two suspects with a stock of illegal manure
 

On receipt of intelligence tip-off, naval personnel together with Udappuwa Police arrested two suspects with a stock of illegal manure, during a raid carried out yesterday (21). The arrest was made while the persons were transferring the stock of manure by a lorry in the general area of Periyapadu.

The arrested persons and 4,205 packets of manure (100 g each) were handed over to the Mundalama Police for onward investigations.

There is widespread speculation of transferring toxic chemical fertilizers and weedicides into the country. As per the extra ordinary gazette notification issued by the government such fertilizers and weedicides containing Glyphosate are prohibited to be imported, sold or used in the country. However, there are records of this illegal racket which is being carried out in the coastal areas of Kalpitiya and Mannar.

Recent studies have also revealed that chemical pesticides and fertilizers are likely causes of the Kidney Disease found in the country. Realizing this desperate situation, HE the President has also established a Task Force on Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease in a bid to save thousands of innocent lives in different parts of the island.