Genetically Modified Foods Banned in Sri Lanka

May 2001

Soybeans and soy products are restricted under the new ban of GMO crops in Sri Lanka.

As of May 1, 2001, Sri Lanka has banned the importation of genetically modified foods, preservatives and additives. Sri Lanka joins other countries in banning, regulating and limiting controversial GMOs.

Regulations in France, Italy, Greece, Denmark and Luxembourg have imposed de facto moratoriums on GMOs while other countries in the European Union have limited GMO field testing, imports and marketing.
Citizen activists around the world are raising concerns about the safety of genetically altered plant products for human consumption. British newspapers have called GMOs "Frankenstein Foods."

The long term effects of GMOs on humans and ecosystems are still unknown despite the industry`s rapid progress to develop new altered strains of plants and animals.
Environmental lawyers have advocated use of the "precautionary principle" to regulate GMOs -- enabling a country to enforce strict limits against the import of GM food without scientific proof of harm.

Lawyers at the Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) have been leading efforts to ban GMOs in Sri Lanka. Priya Monagurusamy, a lawyer at EFL, worked at ELAW U.S. in 2000 and gained resources and support for EFL`s work against GMOs. ELAW provided Priya with information about the companies producing GMOs, the companies using GMOs in food products, and the possible impacts of GMOs. ELAW U.S. Staff Attorneys prepared comments on the proposed legislation, which put the burden of proof on the GMO producers to ensure the safety of their products.

The Ministry of Health came under diplomatic pressure to oppose the restrictions. Many U.S. companies that incorporate GMOs into their products are now prohibited from exporting products to Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Health finally adopted the legislation, which included the precautionary principle.
Sri Lanka`s progressive legislation will be shared with grassroots environmental lawyers worldwide through the ELAW network.

For more information about this ELAW Impact, contact: Environmental Foundation Limited, No. 03, Campbell Terrace, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.