China-SL relationship strained due to fertilizer crisis : Shasheendra

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa says that the conflicting opinions of two Government laboratories has created a painful situation for Chinese-Sri Lanka relations. Speaking at the Parliament today (26) the State Minister said that the Government was unable to properly provide the organic fertilizer to farmers according to plans due to baseless allegations. Speaking further, the MP said that the ship with organic fertilizer, 'Hippo Spirit', which was imported for this purpose was in Sri Lankan waters for over 70 days. MP Rajapaksa also stated that although two Government-controlled laboratories issue contradicting statements that had pained the Chinese Government, the relationship between the two countries must be protected. He further stated that although 1.8 million bottles of 500 ml quantity of nano nitrogen were required for this Maha season, only 189,000 bottles were imported to the country and the Government only paid for 100,000 bottles. However, the MP pointed out that the Government is being falsely accused of committing theft by deliberately creating this crisis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGTMCBIO7FU