June 26, Colombo (LNW): The Korean Government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have initiated a program to modernize the Plant Quarantine Service at the Seaport of Colombo. As part of this initiative, the Plant Quarantine Service at Colombo Port was expanded on June 25, with the inauguration of a new building constructed at a cost of US$ 1.3 million.
The opening ceremony was attended by Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Director General of the Agriculture Department Dr. Kamani Ranatunga, and other officials. Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, KOICA Vice President Lee Yunyong, and KOICA Country Director Kim Miyungjin were also present.
From 2019 to 2024, the Korean Government has implemented several programs to modernize the plant quarantine service at Colombo Port, investing a total of US$ 7.5 million. The new building includes advanced technology, research facilities, and laboratories for import and export plant quarantine.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera praised the Plant Quarantine Service staff for their efforts to maintain service standards despite numerous challenges. He emphasized the importance of preventing diseases and pests from entering the country through imported plants.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the South Korean Government and KOICA for their support in upgrading the Plant Quarantine Service. “Plant quarantine is essential for protecting the country from harmful organisms. Modernizing our plant quarantine service is crucial to mitigating potential negative impacts,” he stated.
