ePhyto Country Report for Sri Lanka...NPQS Sri Lanka appointed a Project Management Team to compile its country work plan to undertake ePhyto work with senior officers at the sea port

International Plant Protection Convention

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ePhyto Country Report for Sri Lanka

Finalised by Dr Chin Karunaratne – August 2017

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................... 6

1. Assessment .................................................................................................................................................... 7

2. Context/Approach ...................................................................................................................................... 8

3. Organisational Structure in Sri Lanka ................................................................................................. 8

3.1 Ministry of Agriculture ................................................................................................................................... 8

4. Status of Exports in Sri Lanka ................................................................................................................. 9

4.1 Exports .................................................................................................................................................................. 9

4.2 Export clearance at the Colombo sea port ............................................................................................. 9

4.3 Export clearance at the Colombo air port ............................................................................................ 10

4.4 Export certification at the Gannoruwa Plant Quarantine Unit .................................................... 10

4.5 Export clearance at the Mattala air port and Magampura sea port ........................................... 10

5. Status of Imports in Sri Lanka .............................................................................................................. 15

5.1 Imports ............................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.2 Import clearance of plant and plant products at air port and sea port in Sri Lanka .......... 15

6. Potential for ePhyto Sustainability ..................................................................................................... 17

7. Country Requirements for the Proposed GeNS Implementation ............................................. 17

7.1 Assessment of physical infrastructure needs ..................................................................................... 17

ePhyto work stations proposed by the Department of Agriculture........................................ 17

7.2 Assessment of resource development ................................................................................................... 18

7.3 Assessment of capacity building needs ................................................................................................. 18

7.4 Assessment of legislative framework..................................................................................................... 19

7.5 Stakeholder consultations .......................................................................................................................... 19

7.6 Policy framework ........................................................................................................................................... 20

7.7 ePhyto funding capacity of Sri Lanka ..................................................................................................... 20

7.8 Training of officers for GeNS implementation in Sri Lanka .......................................................... 21

7.9 Benefit analysis of GeNS after implementation in Sri Lanka ........................................................ 21

8. Operational Process ................................................................................................................................. 22

9. Assessment of activities undertaken at the sea port and air port for exports after introduction of GeNS .................................................................................................................................... 32

10. Assessment of activities undertaken for imports after introduction of GeNS ................. 33

11. ePhyto Change Assessment ................................................................................................................. 33

12. Appendices................................................................................................................................................ 35

12.1 Status of Action Items and their Outcomes ....................................................................................... 35

12.2 Workshop Agenda ....................................................................................................................................... 51

12.3 Details of Participants ................................................................................................................................ 56

file://///ACT001CL01FS05/AQISData$/Plant%20Export%20Operations/Export%20Services/Export%20Certification/ePhyto/ePhyto%20Program/ePhyto%20Workshops/Sri%20Lanka/Sri%20Lanka%20Reports/ESG%20Report%2008032017%20-%20SL%20(Final%20-%20Pete%202).docx%23_Toc476748738

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Table of Figures

Figure 1: Various Tasks undertaken at the Colombo Sea port ................................................................................. 11

Figure 2: Export Book with Details of Registration Numbers .................................................................................. 11

Figure 3: Export Book for Tea Products ............................................................................................................................ 12

Figure 4: Miscellaneous Products listed in one Export Book .................................................................................... 12

Figure 5: Application for Phytosanitary Certificate ...................................................................................................... 13

Figure 6: Bill of Lading and Customs Clearance ............................................................................................................. 13

Figure 7: Cargo Despatch Notice and Phytosanitary Certificate from Sri Lanka .............................................. 14

Figure 8: Notice of Arrival – Agricultural Commodities Exported to Sri Lanka ................................................ 16

Figure 9: Agricultural Commodities Exported to EU countries with Sample Sizes for Export Inspection ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Figure 10: Procedure for Phytosanitary Certification by the NPQS Sri Lanka ................................................... 22

Figure 11: Export clearance of plants and plant products (Sea port) ................................................................... 23

Figure 12: Export clearance of plants and plant products (Air port & NPQS, Katunayake) ........................ 24

Figure 13: Import clearance of plants and plant products (Air port & Sea port) ............................................. 25

Figure 14: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port as per Figure 11 (Exports without ePhyto) ................................................................................................................................... 26

Figure 15: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port (Exports with ePhyto) ............................................................................................................................................................... 27

Figure 16: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Air port and NPQS Katunayake as per Figure 12 (Exports without ePhyto) ................................................................................ 28

Figure 17: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Air port and NPQS Katunayake (Exports with ePhyto) ......................................................................................................................... 29

Figure 18: Standardised Process of Import Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port, Air port, and NPQS Katunayake as per Figure 13 (Imports without ePhyto)............................................................ 30

Figure 19: Standardised Process of Import Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port, Air port, and NPQS Katunayake (Imports with ePhyto) ..................................................................................................... 31

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Version History

Version

Description Author Date

0.0 First Draft Report

Chin Karunaratne September 2016

0.1 Second Draft with Country Comments

Chin Karunaratne October 2016

0.2 Third Draft with ESG Comments

Chin Karunaratne November 2016

0.3 Final Report for the ePhyto Steering Group

Chin Karunaratne March 2017

Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation/Word Definition/Description

APPPC Asia & Pacific Plant Protection Commission

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations

CDC IPPC Capacity Development Committee

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Codex Codex Alimentarius Commission

CPM Commission on Phytosanitary Measures

DAWR Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

ePhyto Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

EPPO European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization

ESG ePhyto Steering Group

FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation

GeNS Generic ePhyto National System

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Abbreviation/Word Definition/Description

IGTC International Grain Trade Coalition

ISF International Seed Federation

IPPC International Plant Protection Convention

NPPO National Plant Protection Organisation

NPQS National Plant Quarantine Service

OIE World Organisation for Animal Health

RPPO Regional Plant Protection Organisation

STDF The Standards and Trade Development Facility

UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNICC United Nations International Computing Centre

ICC Information and Communication Centre (ICC), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Union Fleurs International Flower Trade Association

WHO World Health Organisation

WTO World Trade Organisation

Country Report endorsed by:

Dr Rohan Wijekoon

Director General of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture

Sri Lanka.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report captures the outcomes of the first ePhyto Project Planning (EPP) workshop and field visit with officers from the Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka on 6 to10 June 2016. This workshop was conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department), Australia with guidance from the ePhyto Steering Group (ESG) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The objectives of the workshop was to discuss the ePhyto project for setting up a Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS) in Sri Lanka as part of the IPPC global ePhyto Solution. This report details the import and export process maps of Sri Lanka before and after ePhyto implementation, key observations, and action items finalised at the workshop.

This report does not provide export and import process maps for Gannoruwa and Mattala quarantine stations. The ePhyto export and import processes from Mattala air port and sea port are currently managed by the Colombo air port and sea port. The Gannoruwa quarantine station was not inspected when finalising this report. The activities of Gannoruwa may not be different to existing processess for Colombo sea port and air port considering the low volume of phytosanitary certificates released from these two locations.

Key Recommendations:

The National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) in Sri Lanka should consider the following recommendations for successful GeNS implementation and piloting of its operations.

a). The work of Project Management Team should be supervised and supported by the NPQS Executive so that it is undertaken in a team environment where capabilities of relevant officers in areas of their expertise are identified, utilised and absorbed into GeNS implementation and management.

b). The process maps in this report should be used to facilitate change assessments as they may guide to regulate business processes of exports/imports in air ports and sea ports.

c). Sri Lanka should review their current phytosanitary certificate charges to generate extra revenue to supplement future funding for GeNS and allocation of sufficient resources for sustainability..

d). Sri Lanka should arrange to allocate sufficient space for setting up GeNS work stations at the Colombo sea port and air port.

e). Since the release of internal or external funds for implementation of GeNS will be progress driven, the NPQS should advise the provider on the progress of the work undertaken/milestones achieved for various tasks as soon as practical.

f). After implementation of GeNS in Sri Lanka, business processes connected with phytosanitary certification should be further regulated/changed by the NPQS to suit business needs/requirements to maximise process driven efficiencies.

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1. Assessment

Sri Lanka has huge potential for ePhyto implementation and sustainability due to its strategic location, trade volumes of GeNS after implementation, knowledge of processes and enthusiasm of exporters and importers.

Due to resource limitations, Sri Lanka could not appoint a full time Project Manager to progress the ePhyto work. The IPPC country co-ordinator who in his capacity as the additional Director of NPQS, Katunayake is supervising this project as the Project Manager.

NPQS Sri Lanka appointed a Project Management Team to compile its country work plan to undertake ePhyto work with senior officers at the sea port and air port. The process map compiled by Sri Lanka for the workshop required further revision as it did not detail the training requirements and change assessments on export/import processes.

The department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Australia had a teleconference on the 2nd September 2016 with the Director General of Agriculture (Sri Lanka) to progress and finalising future action items associated with ePhyto implementation.

Observations:

The communication between officers involved in the ePhyto project management team requires stengthening. The co-ordination of the development of ePhyto country work plan by the Project Management Team has to be undertaken regularly, as this will assist in the smooth implementation and sustainability of GeNS. The Project Manager needs to undertake an active role in further revising and finalising the draft country work plan provided on 31 August 2016.

The team work between various individuals is extremely important to achieve common goals. Many senior officers of the department expressed their support for ePhyto implementation stating that this was a long overdue task but did not have sufficient time to drive the project activities.

Recommendation:

Close supervision and coordination of GeNS implementation with the Project Management team is required to implement and continue this work with NPQS, Sri Lanka. The Project Manager has to play an active role to fulfil these requirements.

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2. Context/Approach

Based on the global survey conducted by the IPPC, eight countries (Australia; Chile; China; Kenya; The Republic of Korea; The Netherlands; New Zealand; USA) have confirmed their willingness to participate in piloting the hub with their existing national systems. Furthermore, 6 countries (Ecuador; Egypt; Ghana; Guatemala; Samoa; Sri Lanka) have confirmed their willingness to participate in the pilot using GeNS after implementation.

The IPPC Secretariat is working with other international organisations, such as CODEX Alimentarius, the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Centre for Trade and Developments (UNCTAD), the World Customs Organisation (WTO), along with international industry associations and technical experts in electronic phytosanitary certification from the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) regions to develop the ePhyto Solution.

The ePhyto development has commenced in July 2016 with the development of technical specifications for the Hub and GeNS by UNICC. It is expected that development will require seven to eight months to complete followed by piloting the system with 8 to10 countries. Piloting will continue for three to four months to determine the efficiency of the system, the operating costs and to establish implementation tools that will assist countries in adopting the Solution. Following this work, the pilot countries selected for ePhyto implementation in the first round may begin exchange.

Australia has drafted a detailed work plan for ePhyto development in APPPC pilot countries. This work plan, approved by the APPPC ePhyto Working Group, was tabled at the 29th session of the APPPC meeting in September 2015 in Indonesia for endorsement. It has since been expanded to develop a standard work plan that will be used for implementing the IPPC Global ePhyto Solution (National and GeNS) in various countries. The workshop held in Sri lanka in June 2016 utilised this workplan.

3. Organisational Structure in Sri Lanka

3.1 Ministry of Agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture in Sri Lanka is the governing the body for providing guidance and co-ordination of various activities for sustainable management and development of agriculture sector. Of the departments and institutes that directly come under its administration organisation(s) working on implementation of GeNS in Sri Lanka are marked in “Red”:

Department of Agriculture

Department of Agrarian Development

Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board

Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI)

Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Policy (CARP)

Institute of Post-Harvest Technology (IPHT)

National Food Promotion Board

Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Co. Ltd

Ceylon Fertilizer Co. Ltd

National Fertilizer Secretariat

Lanka Phosphate Co. Ltd

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Of the above institutes, the Department of Agriculture is responsible for the management of phytosanitary exchanges for imports and exports. The work associated with the ePhyto implementation is undertaken by this department. The head of the department is the Director General of Agriculture with Deputy Director Generals, Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, and Assistant Directors in charge of various institutes listed below. The Plant Quarantine Service (PQS), Sri Lanka has initially assessed setting up nineteen ePhyto work stations for GeNS implementation at various locations in Sri Lanka.

4. Status of Exports in Sri Lanka

4.1 Exports Exports in Sri Lanka averaged US$ 699.79 million from 2003 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of US$ 1070.10 million in March of 2014 and a record low of US$ 304.80 million in April of 2003. Exports in Sri Lanka are reported by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka exports mostly textiles and garments (52% of total exports) and tea (17%). Others include spices, gems, coconut products, rubber, and fish. Main export partners are United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and Italy.

Major exports to Australia are tea & mate (AU $34 million), textile clothing (AU $26 million), fixed vegetable oils and fats (AU $15 million) and textile clothing accessories (AU $15 million).

The number of export phytosanitary certificates issued annually by Sri Lanka is 108,000 which included 800 re-export phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto Survey, 2015). The top five countries for Sri Lankan exports of plant and plant products are India, UAE, Russia, USA, and Germany.

4.2 Export clearance at the Colombo sea port The Plant Quarantine Station at the sea port has two floors where various export related tasks are undertaken. The export registration and sample checking is done in the ground floor and other activities are confined to the upper floor (Figure 1). It was noticed that space was very limited in the ground floor for setting up six units (work stations) at the sea port. This issue may be further resolved by having the upper floor better utilised by relocating the current storage area(s) to a different location. The Ministry of Agricultue was planning to build a second floor and the ePhyto work stations may be relocated after this work was completed. Although necessary funds are allocated for this work, it is highly unlikely that renovation would be finalised before GeNS is implemented as another extension over the existing facility has been deemed unsuitable by the engineers.

Colombo sea port uses export registration books to record details of applications submitted to them (Figure 2). Separate record books are maintained for major exports such as tea, vegetable, fruit, grain, spices, areca nut, rubber, coconut, and tuber products (Figure 3). Miscellaneous exports are recorded in a separate book (Figure 4).

Recording information in log books (registers) is cumbersome and there is a huge potential for loss of information in the event a register getting misplaced. No contingency plans are currently in place at the sea port to retrieve registered records whenever a register gets misplaced.

The next stage in the export clearance process is to apply for phytosanitary certificate after consignment inspection/sample testing/laboratory tests are done to get the prior approval for export. The application for phytosanitary certificate for export (Figure 5) is lodged by exporter with the details of product.

As listed in the process mapping (Figures 16 to 21), more documents such as test reports, customs clearance, bill of lading and cargo despatch notice (Figures 6, 7 and 8) are required as part of the pre-export mandatory inspection for conformity before phytosanitary certificate (Figure 9) is issued.

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When the GeNS is implemented in Sri Lanka, the record books will become redundant as the information will be electronically stored. The processes that may get redundant after GeNS is implemented are specified in the export process maps (Figures 15 and 16) for Sri Lanka.

4.3 Export clearance at the Colombo air port The export clearance is done at the NPQS Katunayake and at the Colombo air port premises. The pre-export mandatory inspection for conformity is done at NPQS premises for consignments destined for all countries including European Union (EU) (Figure 11). These phytosanitary certificates have details of commodities listed in one certificate for mixed consignments.

The pre-export mandatory inspection at the air port is mainly done for consignments leaving for the Maldives, Middle East and some Asian countries (e.g. Pakistan – only for Piper betle) where phytosanitary certificates do not require additional declarations. These consignments normally do not require test reports, treatments records, and other certificates and the clearance is done within a very short time after inspection. The phytosanitary certificates are issued for these consignments where details of goods are attached in a separate sheet enclosed with it. This matter was mentioned to the inspection facility at the Katunayake air port citing that there may be potential for fraud, as the details of commodities are not listed in the phytosanitary certificate. The officers were also informed that there should not be differences in phytosanitary certificates destined for EU and Asian countries on listing of details of consignments (EU phyto certificates have listings in their certificates and no separate attachments are enclosed). As per the advice provided, this matter was rectified by NPQS in Sri Lanka.

Sampling of consignments for air transport is done as per the number of boxes/cartons submitted for export (Table 1).

4.4 Export certification at the Gannoruwa Plant Quarantine Unit

Plant Quarantine Unit Gannoruwa is established in 1982 and presently catering mainly for the Central Province. The office, laboratory and two post-entry quarantine greenhouses were built using funds from the Australian Government. Export certification is done after thorough inspection of the whole consignments of tobacco,cut flowers, planting materials etc., if the consignment is small. Random sampling (10%) inspections are carried out for larger consignments. Pre and post fumigation inspections of tobacco consignments are carried out before issuing the phytosanitary certificates. The unit has very limited staff but it could be further expanded to facilitate export certification of the Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces. Supervision of pre-shipment devitalization treatment for cut flower exports to Australia is done in this premises. Since it is away from the airport and the seaport, amount of phytosanitary certificates issued by the unit is limited. If the capacity of the unit is expanded to cater for other provinces, the number of certificates could be increased with more staffing. Such action will promote exports and save the current cost associated with nursery inspections in the afore-stated provinces.

4.5 Export clearance at the Mattala air port and Magampura sea port

There could be potential differences associated with inspection and issuance of phytosanitary certificates in the afore-stated locations.

As a new building for export and import clearance is currently being built at the Mattala air port and sea port, the volume of phytosanitary certificates currently processed from these locations is minimal. The phytosanitary certificates processed from Mattala may increase within next 5-10 years due to infra-structure projects currently undertaken by the government with Chinese investment. The building of Colombo port city (Sri Lanka), and the Maritime Silk Road by China in the region may also contribute to this increase. Necessary arrangements are currently underway to visit these locations for further obser vation before GeNS is implemented in Sri Lanka.

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Figure 1: Various Tasks undertaken at the Colombo Sea port

Figure 2: Export Book with Details of Registration Numbers

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Figure 3: Export Book for Tea Products

Figure 4: Miscellaneous Products listed in one Export Book

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Figure 5: Application for Phytosanitary Certificate

Figure 6: Bill of Lading and Customs Clearance

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Figure 7: Cargo Despatch Notice and Phytosanitary Certificate from Sri Lanka

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5. Status of Imports in Sri Lanka

5.1 Imports Imports in Sri Lanka averaged US $1107.77 million from 2001 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of US $1986.41 million in November of 2011 and a record low of US $408 million in February of 2002. Imports in Sri Lanka are reported by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka imports petroleum, textile fabrics, food, machinery and transportation equipment. Main import partners are India, China, Iran, and Singapore.

Major imports from Australia are fresh fruits (AU $107 million), milk, cream, whey & yoghurt (AU $53 million), wheat (AU $45 million), paper and paperboard (AU $17 million).

The number of import phytosanitary certificates received annually by Sri Lanka is 25,000 (ePhyto Survey, 2015). The top five countries for Sri Lankan imports are China, India, Malaysia, USA, Germany, and Pakistan.

5.2 Import clearance of plant and plant products at air port and sea port in Sri Lanka

The import clearance of the consignment is undertaken in Sri Lanka with customs. Sri Lanka customs will send a Notice of Arrival addressed to entry ports (sea port/air port) which will have the details of goods and relevant documentation (Figure 10).

The consignment is registered by relevant entry ports and document checks are undertaken to verify that the consignment is in order for acceptance. All plants and plant material imported to Sri Lanka should refer to plant quarantine but restricted items need valid import permit, phytosanitary certificates issued by the exporting country & relevant documents according to the permit conditions.

The consignments will have treatment certificates if mandatory treatments such as fumigation are required prior to export. If seeds are exported, they should be certified with a certificate issued by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) issued by the official seed certification agency of the country of export. For those countries that do not have ISTA representation seeds analysis report from the official seed certification agency is required. The other certificates that would be looked at for pre-export mandatory inspection for conformity depend on the type of commodity. For instance, it may be non GMO certificate or faecal matter contamination report.

If documentations are in order after verification, consignment could be released after inspection, if the conditions are in order. If pests are detected consignment may be released from quarantine after further treatments are performed by the importer. NPQS (Sri Lanka) may advise the importer for rejection of entry, re-export, or destruction of consignment after inspection if the consignment does not conform with the import conditions. For some consignments laboratory testing and post entry isolation are needed to ensure that they are safe from pests and diseases. These consignments may be rejected, re-exported, destroyed, or further treated depending on the outcome of additional testing. Some consignments will be released soon after inspection if they do not pose a pest risk and conform with quarantine requirements stipulated in the import permit.

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Figure 8: Notice of Arrival – Agricultural Commodities Exported to Sri Lanka

Figure 9: Agricultural Commodities Exported to EU countries with Sample Sizes for Export Inspection

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6. Potential for ePhyto Sustainability

Sri Lanka has informed that its key industry bodies would endorse the move for implementation of GeNS as potential benefits will significantly surpass the initial costs. Sri Lanka has stated that its government could contribute a fee for ongoing ePhyto exchange/maintenance after implementation.

Necessary arrangements may be made by NPQS to recover this fee from ePhyto users (exporters and importers) in future since the certificate fee currently paid by the exporters and importers is less than two AUD. The benefits associated with use of ePhyto will be relayed to stakeholders via Industry Awareness Sessions (IAS), newsletters etc. Allocations from the government budget could be sought to ensure the sustainability of GeNS during the preliminary stages of implementation .

Sri Lanka also has the capacity to develop contingency plans to regulate its business processes to ensure sustainability if GeNS after it is implemented. For instance, de-regulation of some of the existing business processes which would become redundant after GeNS implementation may provide substantial savings to NPQS. Such financial benefits could be utilised to cover GeNS and Hub maintenance costs.

7. Country Requirements for the Proposed GeNS Implementation

7.1 Assessment of physical infrastructure needs

The quarantine centres that would issue phytosanitary certificates after implementation of GeNS have adequate information technology facilities (infrastructure, equipment and human resources). However, both terminals at the Colombo sea port and air port will require further expansion to support operational staff as installation of twelve ePhyto units would require more space. The removal of redundant furniture and cabinets may provide more room for installations in the Colombo sea port. The installations at the NPQS centre at Karunanayake will not be challenging as this facility has sufficient space and physical infrastructure. However, both systems (paper and ePhyto certificates) will be used for exchange soon after implementation of GeNS until GeNS become fully operational.

ePhyto work stations proposed by the Department of Agriculture

National Plant Quarantine Service - (Seventeen ePhyto work stations in total)

National Plant Quarantine Station (NPQS), Katunayake (Two ePhyto work stations )

Plant Quarantine Station – Bandaranayake Int. Air Port, Katunayake (Six ePhyto work stations)

Plant Quarantine Station – Rajapaksha Int. Air Port, Hambantota (One ePhyto work station)

Plant Quarantine Station – Magampura Sea Port, Hambantota (One ePhyto work station)

Plant Quarantine Station – Sea Port, Colombo (Six ePhyto work stations)

Plant Quarantine Station – Ratmalana Air Port (One ePhyto work station)

Information Technology – (Three ePhyto work stations in total)

Information and Communication Center (ICC), Peradeniya – Administration and Management center for proposed ePhyto work stations (Three ePhyto work stations)

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The existing building at the Colombo sea port may not undergo further expansion with another floor since Port Authority has refused the construction of of another floor due to technical unsuitability. This would significantly improve its capacity to handle six ePhyto units. Some land has been allocated closer to the air port to build a phyotosanitary clearance centre to handle air shipments. If necessary funds are allocated by the government to build this facility some air clearance currently undertaken by NPQS in Katunayake for EU countries will be moved to the new facility and all phytosanitary clearance of air freight will be handled in one place. Further assessments of physical infrastructure at Gannoruwa and Mattala Plant Quarantine Stations were undertaken in December 2016 during the second country visit.

Action Item 1:

7.2 Assessment of resource development Sri Lanka would require more resources (e.g. software) to further expand its computer work stations after ePhyto implementation. The staff of NPQS, Sri Lanka have previously attended overseas training programmes and workshops relating to their areas of expertise. Currently the staff have good technical knowledge and expertise to drive the ePhyto solution forward. However, after GeNS implementation further training on project management and guidance may need to be arranged to identify deficiencies so that business processes could be further streamlined and regulated.

Action Item 2:

7.3 Assessment of capacity building needs Sri Lanka has estimated that they may need ePhyto capacity development for GeNS development at various locations where phytosanitary certificates will be issued/received (ePhyto Survey, 2015). Some of the key areas where capacity building would be required are training for officers, implementation and regulation of its current business processes.

Action Item 3:

The upgrading of system needs in Sri Lanka for implementation of GeNS may require new infrastructure to be installed. Hardware, Software and Furniture for work stations

have to be purchased for various locations and a cost estimate has been prepared by ICC, Sri Lanka to undertake this work.

Further funding for resource development is required to install ePhyto work stations (sea port and air port) during implementation. More details on support required for

resource development should be available in the country work plan of Sri Lanka.

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7.4 Assessment of legislative framework The regulations in Sri Lanka allows electronic certificates and authentication for imports and exports. It supports the receipt and issuance of ISPM 12 (Appendix 1) compliant phytosanitary certificates. The regulations do not preclude that phytosanitary certificates must be issued as hard copy for exports and imports.

The current charge levied for issuing phytosanitary certificate in Sri Lanka is about Rs 165 (AU $1.50). The increase of this fee to generate supplementary funding for GeNS implementation is a possibility provided industry is briefed in advance. Future increases of phytosanitary certificate charges may require further changes done to the legislative framework in Sri Lanka. This process could take more than 12 months for finalisation as changes need to be ratified by the Parliament to amend its legislation.

Action Item 4:

7.5 Stakeholder consultations Sri Lanka currently does not maintain a stakeholder register (e.g. industry groups, exporters, importers etc.) to identify users of phytosanitary certificates in the country. This was an action item discussed at the ePhyto workshop held in June 2016. Sri Lanka has compiled a list of stakeholders associated with their phytosanitary certificates. These details have been provided to the Information and Communication Centre (ICC), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka for compiling the National Stakeholder Database (NSD) for stakeholder registration. ICC will be responsible for upgrading, updating and designing of the NSD and maintaining its commercial confidentiality between various trading partners.

Two industry awareness session targetting 400 hundered importers/exporters were undertaken by DAWR in partnership with the NPQS, Sri lanka at the Chamber of Commerce in December 2016. This workshop briefed stakeholders about the role played by IPPC for implementing GeNS in developing countries and its immediate benefits for the industry after implementation.

Sri Lanka will have to develop a business case seeking additional funding for capacity building of its staff. This work will be administered by the ePhyto Manager (Sri Lanka) in

partnership with the UNICC and DAWR after GeNS is implemented.

Sri Lanka need to assess its current phytosanitary certificate fee and make arrangements to revise (increase) it in consultation with exporters taking into account future costs

associated with maintenance of Hub and GeNS. This should be immediately done as this fee has not been revised over a number of years.

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Action Item 5:

7.6 Policy framework Sri Lanka advised that it has internal policy approval to participate in GeNS implementation. It has staff resources (e.g. project management, information technology etc.) with good knowledge which could be utilised to work on implementation of GeNS. Sri Lanka will also have the capacity to contribute some staff (IT officers), infra-structure and equipment facilities to some extent for expansion of GeNS when the project is implemented.

Action Item 6:

7.7 ePhyto funding capacity of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka will need further funding for the purchase and installation of nineteen ePhyto work stations plus ePhyto Benefit Analysis to be undertaken in two stages (pre and post implementation of GeNS). Sri Lanka will be able to provide support in-kind for implementation of GeNS. It was mentioned at the workshop that Sri Lanka would have to seek approval for supplementary funding via a Cabinet paper to cover costs associated with the infra-structure purchases after estimations are completed.

The support (financial and in-kind) needed by Sri Lanka was presented in the country work plan (e.g. change assessment). A financial estimate for infra-structure development was provided by Sri Lanka and these matters were discussed and finalised during the country visit in December 2016.

Action Item 7:

More stakeholder sessions should be organised for industry after GeNS is implemented in Sri Lanka.

NPQS, Sri Lanka need to brief their Ministry and the Minister about regulatory changes required for its existing policy framework and action them before and after GeNS is

implemented in Sri Lanka.

NPQS, Sri Lanka should identify scope needs and develop a detailed Business Case outlining support required for internal funding which will be sought for GeNS

implementation and development

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7.8 Training of officers for GeNS implementation in Sri Lanka NPQS, Sri Lanka undertook to assess their training requirements as part of their change assessments during the discussion at the workshop held in June 2016. The training register should list the type of required training, location and number of personnel who would participate in the training programme. Sri Lanka has the capacity to train its quarantine officers via officers trained by UNICC trainers. The training of officers may be ongoing when there are system updates to the GeNS after implementation in participating countries. UNICC will inform participating countries about such changes in advance so that countries could organise training of their officers as per the guidance provided by UNICC.

The Training Strategy (Appendix D) of the work plan provides a template for staff to complete when analysing their training needs. This document outlines the areas that need to be considered when conducting a Training Neeeds Analysis (TNA) by Sri Lanka as UNICC will visit Sri Lanka and organise training for NPQS staff when GeNS is implemented. .

Action Item 8:

7.9 Benefit analysis of GeNS after implementation in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka will have to conduct a financial and non-financial benefit analysis to identify and prioritise project benefits after GeNS implementation. The draft ePhyto Benefits Analytical Guide (eBAG) and ePhyto benefits Assessment Startegy (eBAS) developed by IPPC provides guidance for assessing the benefits which may be gained after GeNS implementation. These guides detail tangible and intangible benefits associated with implementing a global ePhyto solution. The measurement of benefits realised by ePhyto projects will be useful for NPPOs and the IPPC in determining cost avoidance and improvements in efficiencies. After implementing ePhyto projects NPQS, Sri Lanka may report back benefits at defined intervals (e.g. once a year) to IPPC.

For this purpose, Sri Lanka should undertake benefit analysis during pre and post implementation stages of GeNS as discussed at the workshop held in June 2016. The analysis could be done for a component that may get redundant after GeNS implementation. Industry survey during pre and post implementation of GeNS will determine potential cost saving to exporters. Indusry benefit analysis will act as a useful guide to regulate future management of phytosanitary certificate charges to improve sustainability of GeNS. This work should be complementary with the cost/benefit element of the STDF project plan.

Action Item 9:

NPQS, Sri Lanka should assess and decide on how they would deliver training for their staff in future, and assess whether “train the trainer” concept to train their staff would be

an appropriate method.

Professor Jeevika Weerahewa from the University of Peradeniya was appointed by NPQS to undertake its Benefit Analysis. This work will be undertaken during pre

and post implementation stages of GeNS (Action Item 9 of workshop)

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8. Operational Process

The operational process of phytosanitary certification was discussed in detail at the workshop. The operational process was further reviewed and finalised as follows.

Figure 10: Procedure for Phytosanitary Certification by the NPQS Sri Lanka

Exporter makes a request for phytosanitary certificate from the NPQS (PQ Operation Division) and test for

required additional declarations

01-Application by Exporter

02-Registration by

Plant Quarantine Officer

03-Field Inspection/ Treatment by

Plant Quarantine Officer

04-Analysis by Plant Quarantine

Officer

05-Approval by the Divisional Head of

Operation

Submission of completed application to the Operation Division of NPQS

The NPQS/PQ Operation

Plant Quarantine staff (PQ, Operation Division) register

the details of application in export registers after evaluating the content of the request

Notify the relevant Technical Divisions (Entomology, Nematology, Pathology, Weed science & Treatment)

for

Inspection /Treatment

Inspection Treatment

PQ officer visit the site

Sampling

Container Yard

(Large Qty)

(Large Qty) (Small Qty)

DOA Fumigation

(Small Qty)

Review inspection outcome by the Chief PQ Officer

Authorization of final report by the Head of

Operation Division

Submission of report to the exit point for phytosanitary certification

Laboratory testing for phytosanitary measures (pests and conditions)

phytosanitary measures

Supervising & Inspection (if requested)

Registered treatment provider

Notify the Exporter

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Figure 11: Export clearance of plants and plant products (Sea port)

Cerity Consignment for Export

Registration of Exporters

Request for Export Permit

Conduct Inspection

Sample Testing/ Laboratory Tests (NPQS/ or other laboratories)

Pre-Approval for Export

Pre Export Mandatory Verification for Conformity

Test Reports

Treatment Certification

No Objection Letters

from relevant Institutes

Other Certificates

Bill of Lading

Parties copy

Department of Customs

Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificate

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Figure 12: Export clearance of plants and plant products (Air port & NPQS, Katunayake)

Registration of Exporters

Submission of Export Application with Commodity List

Pre Export Mandatory Verification for Conformity

Conduct Inspection

Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificate

Test Reports

Treatment

Certification

No objection letters

from relevant parties

Other Certificates

Certify Consignment for Export

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Figure 13: Import clearance of plants and plant products (Air port & Sea port)

Custom Notification on the Consignment Entry

Registration of Import Consignment

Document Checks

Inspection

Laboratory Testing/ Post Entry Isolation

Release

Rejection of Entry,

Re-export, Destruction Treatment

Valid Import Permit

Phytosanitary certificate

Airway Bill/Bill of Lading

Invoice ISTA/ Analysis

Report Treatment

Certificate

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Figure 14: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port as per Figure 11 (Exports without ePhyto)

Key:

Activity currently undertaken by exporter

Activity currently undertaken by department

Changed Activity after ePhyto implementation

Redundant Activity after ePhyto implementation

Request Export

Permit

Conduct Inspection

Certify

Consignment

Inputs:

Inspection appointment

Activities:

1. Inspect container or vessel

2. Select and inspect consignment with sample testing or laboratory tests

3. Record/Submit inspection results in registers

4. Approve/Reject consignment for export

5. Pre-export mandatory verification for conformity as per process map for sea port

Outputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records

Supporting documentation

Approval for export

Inputs:

Supporting documentation and processing records

Activities:

1. Notice of Intention for Export

2. Assess Notice of Intention

3. Request further information

4. Export Registration via in-house registers

5. Request and schedule inspection and pre approval for further activities

Outputs:


Notification OK to proceed to the next stage

Affected systems:

Items 1,2,3,4 and 5 above

Customs Clearance

(Sea and Air export)

Customs Clearence

(Sea Export)

Inputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Pre-Approval for export

Activities:

1. Assess documents

2. Approve/Reject consignment for export with supporting documents

3. Issue invoice

4. Issue phytosanitary certificate manually

5. Export consignment

Outputs:

Compliant consignment

Final approval for export

Affected systems:

Items 2,3 and 4 above

Affected systems:


27 | P a g e

Figure 15: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port (Exports with ePhyto)

Key:

Activity undertaken by exporter

Activity undertaken by department



Request Export

Permit

Conduct Inspection

Certify

Consignment

Inputs:


Activities:

1. Inspect container or vessel

2. Select and inspect consignment with sample testing or laboratory tests via GeNS

3. Record/Submit inspection results in GeNS

4. Pre-export mandatory verification for conformity as per process map for sea port with other relevant organisations incorporated to the system.

Outputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Inputs:


Activities:

1. Submit Notice of Intention via GeNS

2. Assess Notice of Intention via GeNS

3. Request further information via GeNS

4. Export Registration in GeNS

5. Request and schedule inspection via GeNS

Outputs:


Notification OK to proceed to the next stage

Affected systems:

Items 1,2,3,4 and 5 above

Customs Clearance


Inputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Activities:

1. Approve/Reject consignment for export via GeNS

2. Issue invoice

3. Issue phytosanitary certificate via GeNS for export


Outputs:



Affected systems:

Items 2 and 3 above

Affected systems:

Items 1 and 3 above

Customs Clearance

(Sea Export)

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Figure 16: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Air port and NPQS Katunayake as per Figure 12 (Exports without ePhyto)

Key:





Request Export

Permit

Conduct Inspection

Certify

Consignment

Inputs:


Activities:

1. Pre-export mandatory verification for conformity as per export process map for air port

2. Approve/Reject consignment for inspection

3. If approved, inspect consignment with sample testing at the premises


Outputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Inputs:


Activities:

1. Submit Notice of Intention for export

2. Assess Notice of Intention

3. Request further information

4. Export registration via in-house registers

5. Conduct inspection after submission of export application with commodity list

Outputs:


Notification OK to proceed

Affected systems:

Items 1,2,3 and 4 above

Customs Clearance


Inputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Activities:

1. Approve/Reject consignment for export

2. Issue phytosanitary certificate manually


Outputs:



Affected systems:

Items 1,2,3and 4 above

Affected systems:

Items 1 and 2 above

Customs Clearance

(Air Export)

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Figure 17: Standardised Process of Export Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Air port and NPQS Katunayake (Exports with ePhyto)

Key:





Request Export

Permit

Conduct Inspection

Certify

Consignment

Inputs:


Activities:

1. Pre-export mandatory verification for conformity as per export process map for air port via GeNS

2. Inspect consignment with sample testing at the premises

3. Record/Submit inspection results via GeNS

Outputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Inputs:


Activities:

1. Submit Notice of Intention for export via GeNS

2. Assess Notice of Intention via GeNS

3. Request further information via GeNS

4. Export registration via GeNS

5. Conduct inspection after submission of export application with commodity list

Outputs:



Affected systems:

Items 1,2,3 and 4 above

Customs Clearance


Inputs:

Compliant product

Inspection records


Activities:

1. Approve/Reject consignment via GeNS for export

2. Issue phytosanitary certificate via GeNS


Outputs:



Affected systems:

Items 1 and 3 above

Affected systems:

Items 1 and 2 above

Customs Clearance

(Air Export)

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Figure 18: Standardised Process of Import Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port, Air port, and NPQS Katunayake as per Figure 13 (Imports without ePhyto)

Key:

Activity undertaken by importer




Request Import

Permit

Customs &

Quarantine Clearance

(Sea and Air Import)

Conduct Lab Testing/

Post Entry Isolation

Inputs:

Inspection appointment with customs

Activities:

1. Consignment inspection with customs

2. Rejection of Entry, Re-export, Destruction, or Treatment of consignment after inspection

3. Approve/Reject consignment

4. If approved, release consignment, or undertake laboratory testing or Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) isolation


Outputs:

Compliant/Non-compliant consignment

Inspection records


Inputs:


Activities:

1. Custom notification on the entry of import consignment

2. Assess Notice of Entry

3. Import registration in registers

4. Document checks as per import process map

5. Request and schedule inspection if document checks are satisfactory

Outputs:



Affected systems:


Customs Clearance


Inputs:


Inspection records


Activities:

1. Release/Reject consignment

2. Release/ Reject consignment after laboratory testing

3. Release/Reject consignment after Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) isolation

Outputs:

Compliant consignment for release

Non-compliant consignment for destruction

Affected systems:

Items 3 and 5 above

Affected systems:


Customs Clearance

(Air Export)

Release or Destruction

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Figure 19: Standardised Process of Import Phytosanitary Clearance from the Colombo Sea port, Air port, and NPQS Katunayake (Imports with ePhyto)

Key:

Activity undertaken by importer




Request Import

Permit

Customs &

Quarantine Clearance

(Sea and Air Import)

Conduct Lab Testing/

Post Entry Isolation

Inputs:


Activities:

1. Consignment inspection with customs

2. Rejection of Entry, Re-export, Destruction, or Treatment of consignment after inspection

3. Approve/Reject consignment via GeNS

4. If approved, release consignment, or undertake laboratory testing or Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) isolation

5. Record/Submit inspection results in GeNS

Outputs:


Inspection records


Inputs:


Activities:

1. Notification on the entry of import consignment via GeNS

2. Assess Notice of Entry

3. Import registration in GeNS

4. Document checks as per import process map via GeNS

5. Request and schedule inspection if document checks are satisfactory

Outputs:



Affected systems:

Items 1,3 and4 above

Customs Clearance


Inputs:


Inspection records


Activities:

1. Release/Reject consignment via GeNS

2. Release/ Reject consignment after laboratory testing via GeNS

3. Release/Reject consignment after Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) isolation via GeNS.

Outputs:

Compliant consignment for release

Non-compliant consignment for destruction

Affected systems:

Items 3 and 5 above

Affected systems:


Release or Destruction

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9. Assessment of activities undertaken at the sea port and air port for exports after introduction of GeNS

The workhop conducted in June 2016 discussed the operational processes for exports in the Colombo sea port and air port listed in the flow charts (Figures 11, 12, 14 and 16). It was noted that test reports and treatment certificates will be provided via GeNS to sea port/air port by the Operation Division of NPQS after GeNS implementation. Other supporting documents will be submitted via GeNS to the entry points by exporters. Phytosanitary certificates will be issued for export based on the assessment via GeNS provided there are no objection letters.

No prior approval for export is necessary and bill of lading and customs declaration is not required to issue the phytosanitary certificate. The exporter will be responsible for maintaining conformity of the consignment throughout the process as the goods will have to be either re-exported, treated or destroyed at the importer’s premises should there be a non-conformity with phytosanitary declaration.

Colombo, Sea port currently assesses (cross check) shipment records provided by exporter with bill of lading to verify whether shipping details are compliant before issuing phytosanitary certificate. After GeNS is implemented, phytosanitary certificate will be issued for the vessel previously provided by exporter in his/her application and no further verifications will be undertaken (redundant component). Exporter will need to inform officers at the sea port if there is a change in the vessel after phytosanitary certificate has been issued. The previous phytosanitary certificate will be cancelled and a new certificate will be reissued via GeNS when this happens. Such approach will help to maximise the business efficiency at the sea port since there is a very low probability (less than 5%) of a change in vessel from the total volume of exports.

The use of registers for recording will become redundant after GeNS is implemented, as the information will be recorded electronically in the system. Not using registers for export records will maximimise the efficiency benefits of GeNS to NPQS and industry. For instance, the resources utilised for the register maintenance and recording of information could be allocated to other other work areas to regulate business processes.

Action Item 10:

NPQS, Sri Lanka should make arrangements to brief stakeholders by holding industry awareness sessions, news letters etc. about proposed changes to their phytosanitary

exchange processes before implementation of GeNS in Sri Lanka.

NPQS, Sri Lanka should assess process efficiency and benefits of GeNS

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10. Assessment of activities undertaken for imports after introduction of GeNS

The workshop conducted in June 2016 discussed the operational processes for imports in the Colombo sea port and air port listed in the flowcharts (Figures 13 and 18). Phytosanitary certificate is issued by the NPPO of exporting country via GeNS after relevant supporting documents (e.g. treatment reports, area freedom certification etc.) are checked, and provided via GeNS to importer (Sri Lanka) by exporter for further verification.

The exporter will be responsible for maintaining conformity of the consignment throughout the process as the goods will have to be either re-exported, treated or destroyed should there be a non-conformity with phytosanitary declaration at the importer’s premises. The release or rejection of consignment will be undertaken by entry points via GeNS soon after inspection, or after application of necessary plant quarantine measures.

The custom notification on the consignment entry may not be required in future since GeNS will be able to provide entry points about the consignment entry with relevant documentation. Accordingly, the use of registers for import recording will become redundant after GeNS is implemented, as the information will be recorded electronically in the system.

The use of registers for recording will become redundant after GeNS is implemented, as the information will be recorded electronically in the system. Not using registers for import records will maximimise the efficiency benefits of GeNS to NPQS and industry. For instance, the resources utilised for the register maintenance and recording of information could be allocated to other other work areas to regulate business processes.

Action Item 11:

11. ePhyto Change Assessment

ePhyto Change Assessment and Management is a process integral to the NPPO implementing its initiatives detailed in process maps. It is used to support people, stakeholders, and clients through the transition stages of the implementation of the initiative.

A change assessment is required for all change anticipated to impact the NPPO, its people, services, and stakeholders prior to implementing GeNS in Sri Lanka. This is a key part of the work plan which will help IPPC to identify how resources should be allocated to support various activities after GeNS is implemented in Sri Lanka. The change assessment review should be completed for each one of the elements that will become redundant or change after GeNS is implemented. In summary, the change assessment will assist in determining the level of control required to manage the change including project management and governance requirements.

For instance, the country report for Sri Lanka has details of process maps for exports and imports that would be changed or become redundant after GeNS is implemented. The Pre and Post implementation reviews of the change assessment in the work plan based on the process maps will help to identify activities that need to be regulated to facilitate smooth functioning of processes after GeNS is implemented. For this purpose, Pre and Post implementation reviews of the Change Assessment should be consistent with the process maps in the country report.

Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka should make arrangements to inform stakeholders (customs and other organisations – i.e. banks, brokers etc.) affiliated with phytosanitary

exchange about the changes to their operational processes due to implementation of GeNS.

34 | P a g e

Action Item 12:

Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka should make arrangements to inform stakeholders (customs and other organisations – i.e. banks, brokers etc.) affiliated with phytosanitary

exchange about the changes to their operational processes due to implementation of GeNS.

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12. Appendices

12.1 Status of Action Items and their Outcomes

ePhyto Project of Sri Lanka - Action Items (7 March 2017)

Project Manager: Dr Jayantha Senanayake

No Topic

Action Responsible Officer(s)

Due date Status/Comments

Project Management Team

Setting up of Project Management Team to finalise the work plan

Dr J Senanayake

09th June 2016 FINALISED

(Team established)

ePhyto Working Group Setting up of ePhyto Working Group for Sri Lanka

Dr N Ratnayake

Dr J Senanayake

09th June 2016 FINALISED

(Working group established)

Communication Establishment of Google mail group

Mr TA Kammesh 09th June 2016 FINALISED

(Mailing group established)

1 ePhyto Workplan Finalisation of ePhyto work plan for Sri Lanka

Dr J Senanayake and officers of the project management team

First draft due by the end of August 2016

Second draft submitted with Change Assessment undertaken in the work plan

2 Process Maps

Finalisation of air port and sea port process maps for Sri Lanka

Ms N. Assalarachchi

Ms C Hewage

16th June 2016 FINALISED on 20th June 2016

(Change assessment finalised)

27 Process map for processing export test requests

Mrs Warshamana 31st July 2016 FINALISED ON 31ST July 2016

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No Topic



3

Training Requirements The training requirements for

Air port and sea port should be detailed in the Sri Lankan work plan

Ms N Assalarachchi

Ms C Hewage

30th of August 2016

FINALISED

(This was undertaken on 16 December 2016 by Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne)

25 The training requirements for NPQS, Katunayake should be detailed in the Sri Lankan work plan

Dr J Senanayake

Ms J Nimanthika

30th of August 2016

FINALISED


29 The training requirements for NPQS, Katunayake should be detailed in the Sri Lankan work plan

Ms IK Warshamana

Ms J Nimanthika

30th of August 2016

FINALISED


4 to 18 Technical Advice Finalisation of various technical matters raised at the work shop on the ePhyto system as per clarifications provided by the Project Technical Committee

Dr C Karunaratne Not specified FINALISED on 03rd August 2016 and advised the Project Management Team

22 Clarification sought from the Project Technical Committee regarding the preference over PUSH or PULL Hub options

Dr C Karunaratne Not required FINALISED

(Participating countries do not have a choice to select this under the Generic National System)

19 Funding

Allocation of funds from the Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka for the ePhyto benefit analysis

Dr RRA Wijekoon To be finalised within one month after the

FINALISED

(Project proposal for the benefit analysis was finalised by Prof. J

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No Topic



Sri Lankan work plan is finalised.

Weerahewa and her team in December 2016)

20 Benefit Analysis Appoint a departmental co-ordinator to liaise with Prof. Weerahewa for benefit analysis

Dr K Hettiarachchi 20th June 2016 FINALISED

Appointed Manorika Senarathne to liase with Prof. Weerahewa.

21 Industry Awareness Industry awareness session to be organised by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka

Dr K Hettiarachchi First session proposed to be held in December 2016 with future sessions to be continued

FINALISED


23 Country Contributions The Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka has to advise the IPPC Project Technical Committee about country contributions to set up the ePhyto Generic National System in Sri Lanka

Dr K Hettiarachchi

Dr RRA Wijekoon

To be decided Financial estimate for GeNS implementation in Sri Lanka was finalised by DAWR. NPQS, Sri Lanka is trying to source funds

24 Legislation

Amendment/Revision of Sri Lankan legislation to revise phytosanitary certificate charges to cover future ePhyto management expenses.

Dr K Hettiarachchi

Dr RRA Wijekoon

To be decided NOT YET UNDERTAKEN

25 & 29

Training Requirements The training requirements for NPQS, Katunayake should be fully detailed in the Sri Lankan work plan

Dr J Senanayake

Ms IK Warshamana

Ms J Nimanthika

30th of August 2016

FINALISED. This will be further discussed during the country visit of Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne

38 | P a g e



No Topic



26 Process Improvement

Details of supporting documents required for issuing import permits to be compiled by the NPQS, Katunayake

Ms RAP Ranaweera 17th June 2016 Not required for GeNS implementation

28 Contact Details Contact details of officers who had previously worked on ADB and STDF project proposals to be submitted to Dr Chin Karunaratne by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka

Ms J Nimanthika 30th June 2016 Not required for GeNS implementation in Sri Lanka.

30 Stakeholder Register

Collation of stakeholders’ details

These details will be provided to the Project Technical Manager (Mr S Gajanayake) after collation to develop the Stakeholder Register for Sri Lanka.

Ms J Nimanthika

(NPQS – Katunayake);

Ms C Hewage

(Seaport –Colombo);

Ms N Assalaarachchi (Airport – Katunayake);

Dr D Perera

(PQS Gannoruwa);

Mr G Abeywikrema (Airport – Mattala)

30th October 2016

FINALISED.

Stakeholder lists of sea port and air port have been provided to ICC.

31 To build a Stakeholder Register with UNICC direction for Sri Lanka

Mr S Gajanayake 30th December 2016

FINALISED

36 According to the Sri Lankan Government ICT Policy, databases are developed using open sources software like MySql.

Dr C Karunaratne October 2016 UNICC previously advised that the stakeholder database of participating countries depend

39 | P a g e



No Topic



ICC (Sri Lanka) is concerned about developing a database to record exporter details using an open source database software. ICC required further advice on UNICC’s expectations for developing similar databases and preferred software. ICC requests more clarification from PTC and UNICC on this matter.

on the comfort level the users would have with using a particular software. After the stakeholder database is done countries that already have a system will have to develop an interface to talk to the hub. This matter will be further discussed and finalised after implementation of GeNS.

32 Benefit Analysis Project proposal of benefit analysis to be finalised as per the work plan

Prof. J Weerahewa Two months after the Sri Lankan work plan is finalised

FINALISED in December 2016 by Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne

33 Resource Requirements

To establish 20 work stations in Sri Lanka after UNICC representative(s) visit Sri Lanka

Mr P Neimanis

Dr C Karunaratne

Not decided FINALISED in December 2016 by Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne

34 To establish central data entry supporting point to manage and coordinate ePhyto technical activities in other locations (e.g. Seaport, Airport etc.) after UNICC representative(s) visit Sri Lanka

Mr P Neimanis

Dr C Karunaratne

Not decided FINALISED in December 2016 by Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne

35 Awareness Programs

To organise awareness programs by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (leaflets; web and paper advertisements) targeting key industry and government groups to brief that IPPC is going to setup

Dr J Senanayake

Dr K Hettiarachchi

Periodical FINALISED in December 2016 by Mr P Neimanis & Dr C Karunaratne

40 | P a g e



No Topic



an Generic ePhyto National System for Sri Lanka

Progress of Action Items


Project Manager: Dr Jayantha Samarakoon

Project Management Team

The Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka appointed following officers to manage its ePhyto project and develop country work plan for Sri Lanka:

Dr WMG Wasala (Project Coordinating Officer) – currently Additional Director, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Dr Jayantha Senanayake (Project Manager) – currently Additional Director National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), Katunayake, Sri Lanka.

Ms. Jayani Nimanthika (Asst. Project Manager) – currently Assistant Director, NPQS Katunayake, Sri Lanka.

Ms. Nadira Assalarachchi (Asst. Project Manager) – currently Deputy Director, Plant Quarantine Station (PQS) Air port, Katunayake, Sri Lanka

Ms. Champika Hewage (Asst. Project Manager) - currently Deputy Director, PQS Sea port, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Mr Sachintha Gajanayake (Technical Manager) – currently ICT Officer, Information and Communication Centre (ICC), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

ePhyto Working Group The participants of the workshop agreed that an ePhyto Working group should be established to manage future work. This group will meet regularly to discuss the progress associated with the project. Members of the working group are as follows:

Dr Nandasiri Ratnayake (Chair) – (Additional Director General, Dept. of Agriculture, Peradeniya)

Mr WMD Wasala (Secretary) – (Additional Director, Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre [SCPPC] - Peradeniya)

41 | P a g e




Mr Peter Neimanis (Director; ePhyto Steering Group Member; Chair - Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission [APPPC]) – (Dept. of Agriculture & Water Resources, Canberra, Australia)

Dr Chin Karunaratne (Senior Scientist, IPPC Resource Officer, Member APPPC) – (Dept. of Agriculture & Water Resources, Canberra, Australia)

Dr Keerthi Hettiarachchi (Director, SCPPC - Peradeniya)

Ms. Nanda Abeysinghe (SCPPC – Peradeniya)

Ms. Dhammika Sarathchandra (SCPPC – Peradeniya)

Dr Gamini Samarasinghe (Plant Genetic Resources Centre [PGRC], Peradeniya)

Ms. Priyanthi Bandara (PGRC, Peradeniya)

Ms. Champika Hewage (PQS Sea port – Colombo)

Ms. Kumudu Wasalatantri (PQS Sea port, Colombo)

Ms. Nadira Assalarachchi (PQS Air port – Katunayake)

Ms. Manorika Senarathne (PQS Air port – Katunayake)

Mr Jagath Hettige (PQS Air port – Mattala)

Mr Gamini Abeywickrama (PQS Air port – Mattala)

Dr Dayani Perera (PQS - Gannoruwa)

Dr Jayantha Senanayake (Director, NPQS – Katunayake)

Ms. Jayani Nimanthika (NPQS – Katunayake)

Ms. IK Warshamana (NPQS – Katunayake)

Ms. RAP Ranaweera (NPQS – Katunayake)

Ms. Sandya Kumari (NPQS – Katunayake)

42 | P a g e




Mr WAG Sisira Kumara (Director, ICC - Peradeniya)

Mr TA Kammesh (ICC – Peradeniya)

Mr Sachintha Gajanayake (ICC – Peradeniya)

Mr Hasika Keerthirathne (ICC - Peradeniya)

Ms. Sandhya Hemachandra (SCPPC - Peradeniya)

Prof. Jeevika Weerahewa (Head, Dept. of Agric. Economics – University of Peradeniya)

Unnamed – (Departmental Officer who would liaise with Prof Weerahewa on ePhyto benefits analysis)

Communication

Ms. Champika Hewage verified that current Sri Lankan Phytosanitary certificates are compatible with ISPM 12.

Google e-mail group for information sharing was developed and actioned by Mr TA Kammesh.

Action Item

Topic

Outcome

1 ePhyto Workplan Finalised the second draft of ePhyto country work plan for Sri Lanka and provided it to Dr Karunaratne for review. The Change Assessment has t been done in the work plan and This work plan has been provided to the Project Technical Committee (PTC) for implementation of ePhyto pilot in Sri Lanka. UNICC is planning to finalise Hub technical specifications during this time.

2 Process Maps

The ePhyto change assessment for the activities that will be redundant after ePhyto implementation has been finalised in the work plan. The process maps of Sri Lanka also have been finalised for undertaking this activity. The deadline agreed for this activity was 20th June 2016.

27 The finalization of existing Sri Lankan process map is still underway. Ms. Nimanthika will send the final document to the working group after updating information for her work area. The deadline agreed for this work was 16th June 2016.

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4 Technical Matters The access to ePhyto SharePoint site, currently maintained by the Department of Agriculture - Canberra, will be provided to the working group in Sri Lanka to exchange information between Sri Lanka and other global players. The members of the working group will be individually assigned user names and passwords to access the site.

Status / Comments

All the members of the working group were provided access to the Departmental Share Point site with separate user names and passwords.

5 The online submission of supporting docs and test/treatment reports from various institutes and thirty party providers in Sri Lanka to entry ports via the ePhyto Generic National System is required. This requirement will be passed to PTC & United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) on behalf of the ePhyto Working Group in Sri Lanka.

Status / Comments

The online submission of supporting docs and test/treatment reports will be available via the ePhyto Generic National System.

6 Participants requested separate location codes in certificates to track down ePhytos issued from different regional offices in Sri Lanka (e.g. Mattala, Katunayake etc.) under the generic national system. This requirement will be passed to UNICC on behalf of the ePhyto Working Group in Sri Lanka.

Status / Comments

The ePhyto Generic National System will have separate location codes to track down where the certificates were issued. For instance, if they were issued from Mattala, it will appear in the certificate as “Mattala, Sri Lanka” not just “Sri Lanka”. Another thing to consider is that under ePhyto, the certificates will remain unique (e.g. certificate number etc.) so tracking down certificates will still be possible.

7 Sri Lanka is currently issuing multiple ePhyto certificates for mixed consignments where many commodities are present per consignment. It was noted that a single certificate currently covers multiple commodities in a mixed consignment. If the certificate does not have space to detail all commodities another certificate will be issued for the same consignment with listing of remaining commodities. Since the accepted practice is to issue a single phytosanitary certificate per commodity

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Project Manager: Dr Jayantha Samarakoon under ISPM 12 UNICC will have to advise how this will be managed under ePhyto system when the details of commodities are coded. If a single certificate per commodity is issued per mixed consignment there will be many certificates for single consignment and exporters will object the additional charges levied for multiple phytosanitary certificates.

Status / Comments

Single phytosanitary certificate can cover multiple products in a mixed consignment under ISPM 12. For instance the certifying statement of ISPM 12 states the following:

“This is to certify that the plants, plant products or other regulated articles described herein have been inspected and/or tested according to appropriate official procedures and are considered to be free from the quarantine pests ………”

The ePhyto Generic National System will have provision to include multiple commodities with separate coding in a mixed consignment.

8 It is common practice that a rejected ePhyto certificate will be superseded by another ePhyto certificate. For this purpose, the rejected ePhyto certificate need to be identified before a replacement certificate is issued. UNICC will have to advise whether details of certificates cancelled by the importing/exporting country will be automatically relayed to the importing/exporting country after cancellation.

Status / Comments

According to the specifications proposed by the Project Technical Committee (PTC), the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) of the importing country will send a message through the Hub to the NPPO of the exporting country to identify that a certificate is not acceptable. However, correlating the certificate issued with the message may be an issue and some members of the PTC are currently working on this. More details will be provided after further information associated with this matter is available.

9 Further information is required from UNICC about advantages and disadvantages associated to importing country (Sri Lanka) when ePhyto certificates are either pulled or pushed from the Hub. The Working Group will be advised.

Status / Comments

PTC believes that PUSH vs PULL aspects are not important for the Generic National System. Both mechanisms provide the same functionality and they are transparent to the end user.

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10 The maximum and minimum time frames for cancellation of ePhyto certificates after they are dispatched via the Generic National System will be requested from UNICC for the Working Group. It has been noted that ePhyto certificates cannot be retrieved after they are delivered and opened by the importing country.

Status / Comments

Since the transmission time of a certificate is less the retrieval of incorrect certificates by the exporting country before they are delivered / opened may be an issue. Since the consignment is not in the importing country when the certificate is received (certificates will be delivered before the despatch of the consignment) the exporting country could WITHDRAW (Cancel) the certificate and ISSUE a new one. However, retrieval of a certificate from the importing country before the arrival of consignments will not be part of the basic functionality of the Generic National System.

11 Sri Lanka is keen to restrict ePhyto responsibilities (delegation of authority) in its Generic National System for users within the same tier such as inspectors. Further information regarding the feasibility of having this built in to the Generic National System is required from UNICC.

Status / Comments

Different roles / access levels are going to be available in the Generic National System, including an Inspector role. Multiple roles have been identified in the specifications so that users can only see the information appropriate for their role. For instance, “CLIENT” would have access to providing information on the export; whereas “INSPECTOR” could have functionality to do everything but iss

Documents

ePhyto Country Report for Sri Lanka...NPQS Sri Lanka appointed a Project Management Team to compile its country work plan to undertake ePhyto work with senior officers at the sea port