If the Chinese Fertilizer Company files a lawsuit against the Katunayake National Plant Quarantine Service seeking compensation of US $ 8 million for the defamation and damage caused to its company due to the rejection of the consignment of organic fertilizer containing pathogens shipped from China to Sri Lanka, Senior Environmental Lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardena has stated that he will appear in court free of charge on behalf of the authorities, including the Additional Director of the Quarantine Service, and that he has decided to provide unconditional assistance on their behalf.
Speaking to Lankasara, Dr. Gunawardena said that the National Plant Quarantine Service, which operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country regarding the control of harmful pathogens that may enter the country, has duly performed its duty with regard to the stock of depleted fertilizers. Dr. Gunawardena said that he believed that the company had taken such threatening steps with the intention of inflicting injuries.
He further said, “The Plant Quarantine Division operates under the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible to the Director General of Agriculture in Sri Lanka. They are doing it on a very scientific basis and they have given their observations regarding this stock of fertilizer in the same way and accordingly their action is correct but this fertilizer company is trying to discourage these officials in some way and achieve their objective. It is incumbent upon all of us to stand up for these officers who have done their duty honestly and directly for the country in such cases.
Mr. Gunawardena further stated that if the Chinese company Qwingdao Seawin Biotech enters into such a legal process, he is confident that these officers will be able to deal with it successfully.
