Former agriculture ministry official remanded over 2021 fertilizer scandal

Mahesh Gammanpila was taken into custody in connection with the controversial import of a substandard stock of organic fertilizer from Chinese company Qingdao Seawin Biotech in 2021. 

The Bribery Commission alleges that the suspect caused significant financial losses to the government by instructing the opening of suspended letters of credit, leading to the payment of nearly US$6.9 million — 75% of the cost of the disputed fertilizer shipment.

After reviewing the case, the Magistrate ruled that sufficient grounds existed to detain the suspect pending further investigation.

The case has drawn renewed public attention to issues of transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.