Cabinet grants policy approval to amend Control of Pesticides Act

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting last Wednesday granted policy approval to proceed with the amendment of the Control of Pesticides Act No. 33 of 1980, reaffirming its commitment to updating regulatory frameworks governing pesticide use in Sri Lanka.

The decision follows an earlier approval granted on 7 August 2023 to initiate amendments to the Act. However, as advised by the Legal Draftsman’s Department, fresh approval from the current Cabinet was required to move forward with the legislative process.

The planned amendments aim to enhance regulatory controls, ensure public and environmental safety, and align the Act with current agricultural practices and international standards.

Accordingly, the proposal submitted by the Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalkantha was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, enabling the continuation of efforts to revise the existing law.