Abstract:
The National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) aims to prevent the introduction of alien pests
into Sri Lanka, which may harm the flora and the environment of the country. The institute is
located in Katunayake and headed by an Additional Director. There are four plant quarantine
stations (PQS) at the entry points under NPQS. It has seven technical divisions and two
supportive divisions where each division has a specific role. The objective of this exercise was to
identify weaknesses of the present system and recommend future requirements and possible
mitigation methods. This study was performed based on the SWOT analysis carried out where
information obtained from NPQS publications, annual reports, formal discussions and group
sessions with senior officers, officers in charge of plant quarantine stations (PQS), and other
stake holders such as coconut research institute, export development board, etc. who has a
knowledge on legislations and operational procedures. The main weaknesses identified were
that there was no legal coverage for most of the activities carried out in compliance with
international plant protection convention (IPPC) such as pest risk assessment and pest
surveillance, stake holder role, responsibilities and rights. The Institute continuing its activities
with limited skilled training staff as well as experiencing; limited fund allocations and lack of
awareness programs are also among identified weaknesses. In order to mitigate these
weaknesses, the amendment of quarantine act is necessary. A qualified staff recruitment
procedure and scheduled staff training is a requirement to carry out efficient pest diagnosis, pest
risk assessments, and other operational activities. The funds could be raised from the
government and private sector partnerships for repairing and maintenance of laboratory
equipment for high efficiency. Stake holder discussions and awareness programs are necessary
to emphasis the importance of plant quarantine in Sri Lanka. Moreover, research need to be
focused on pest diagnosis and surveillance to find out changes in pest biology, development of
treatment standards, identifying alternatives for methyl bromide, and explore the efficient
biological control strategies. Mitigation of these shortcomings may enhance the pest-free quality
international agriculture trade and also minimize noncompliance rate. As a result, this provides
opportunity to access new international markets and thereby increase our foreign revenue.
