People foiled all attempts to sell phosphate deposit

KALUTARA: All attempts to sell the Eppawala Phosphate deposit were foiled due to the unwavering efforts of people in the area led by Maha Sangha, said Industrial Development Minister Kumara Welgama.

The minister was speaking at a free distribution of 2000 fertilizer bags to the farmers in Beruwala and Payagala at the Beruwala Kanista Vidyalaya. The Supreme Court ruled out that the phosphate deposit cannot be sold to any foreign agent or organisation.

In keeping with the Mahinda Chinthanaya we promised a bag of fertilizer for Rs. 350. Eppawala Phosphate Limited could produce a Phosphate fertilizer bag for Rs. 800 saving Rs. 800 in profit as the present selling price of a fertilizer bag is Rs. 1600.

Several countries have showed interest to join hands with the Phosphate Limited to produce fertilizer, he said.