Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath announced on October 1 that the government will comply with the Election Commission’s decision to temporarily suspend the fertilizer subsidy increase to 25,000 rupees per hectare. Herath made this statement during a cabinet decision notification news conference, emphasizing the importance of adhering to electoral regulations.
The Election Commission’s request to suspend the subsidy comes amid the election period, as there are concerns that implementing the increase could unduly benefit a particular party. In light of this, the Commission has advised that the proposal to increase the subsidy be implemented only after the election.
Herath stated, “Because it is an election period, the Election Commission has asked to suspend it. We agree with the decision of the Election Commission. We will act accordingly.”
This decision follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s announcement on September 26 to increase the fertilizer subsidy from 15,000 rupees per hectare to 25,000 rupees for the upcoming season. However, with the election announcement, the Commission took steps to prevent any potential advantage that might arise from providing the subsidy.
In response to the Commission’s action, a national organization submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission, expressing discontent with the decision to suspend the subsidy. Farmers’ organizations have also voiced concerns, warning that any delays in the fertilizer subsidy could lead to rice shortages in the future, posing a significant risk to food security.
