Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says that the current government, which came to power promising to “make the farmer king,” has now completely devastated the country’s farming community.
He made these remarks during a special discussion held at the Opposition Leader’s Office with a group of individuals who suffered losses after depositing money in a financial institution.
He further stated that the “tears shed for the people” by current government leaders while in opposition have now turned into “false tears.”
Premadasa pointed out that farmers are currently facing multiple challenges, including shortages of seeds, fertiliser, agrochemicals, and farming equipment, as well as the lack of a stable price for their produce.
He also noted that although the minister in charge had promised to reduce the price of a fertiliser bag from Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 10,200, there is now a severe shortage of fertiliser across the country.
He added that while government ministers had previously promised a guaranteed price of Rs. 150 per kilogram of paddy when in opposition, farmers are now being forced to sell their harvest at very low prices of around Rs. 70–80 per kilogram in areas such as Ampara during harvesting season.
Premadasa said that despite soaring production costs, farmers are forced to mortgage personal belongings to continue cultivation, yet still fail to receive a fair price for their produce.
He also highlighted the worsening human-elephant conflict in the country, which is causing significant damage to crops and property, as well as loss of both human and elephant lives.
He further alleged that those who loudly championed farmers while in opposition have now disappeared, claiming that their previous concerns were “crocodile tears.”
According to him, this “deceptive and misleading politics” has left both farmers and the general public in distress, with rising malnutrition due to insufficient food intake and disruptions to children’s education.
Recalling the previous fertiliser controversy involving so-called organic fertiliser, he said farmers were once again being deprived of quality fertiliser today. He reaffirmed that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya remains the only political force defending farmers’ rights.
He further pledged that his party would continue to advocate for farmers until a guaranteed paddy price of at least Rs. 120 per kilogram is secured.
He made these remarks during a special discussion held at the Opposition Leader’s Office with a group of individuals who suffered losses after depositing money in a financial institution.
He further stated that the “tears shed for the people” by current government leaders while in opposition have now turned into “false tears.”
Premadasa pointed out that farmers are currently facing multiple challenges, including shortages of seeds, fertiliser, agrochemicals, and farming equipment, as well as the lack of a stable price for their produce.
He also noted that although the minister in charge had promised to reduce the price of a fertiliser bag from Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 10,200, there is now a severe shortage of fertiliser across the country.
He added that while government ministers had previously promised a guaranteed price of Rs. 150 per kilogram of paddy when in opposition, farmers are now being forced to sell their harvest at very low prices of around Rs. 70–80 per kilogram in areas such as Ampara during harvesting season.
Premadasa said that despite soaring production costs, farmers are forced to mortgage personal belongings to continue cultivation, yet still fail to receive a fair price for their produce.
He also highlighted the worsening human-elephant conflict in the country, which is causing significant damage to crops and property, as well as loss of both human and elephant lives.
He further alleged that those who loudly championed farmers while in opposition have now disappeared, claiming that their previous concerns were “crocodile tears.”
According to him, this “deceptive and misleading politics” has left both farmers and the general public in distress, with rising malnutrition due to insufficient food intake and disruptions to children’s education.
Recalling the previous fertiliser controversy involving so-called organic fertiliser, he said farmers were once again being deprived of quality fertiliser today. He reaffirmed that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya remains the only political force defending farmers’ rights.
He further pledged that his party would continue to advocate for farmers until a guaranteed paddy price of at least Rs. 120 per kilogram is secured.
