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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday criticised the Government for failing to stabilise paddy prices, despite coming to power with the support of farmers.
“What good is it to come to power on the backs of farmers if you can’t provide stable prices for paddy?” he questioned.
Speaking at a public meeting held at the ancient Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya in the Hiriyala electorate of Kurunegala, Premadasa highlighted the Government’s inability to provide the promised fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 25,000 on time. Instead, farmers received Rs.15,000 and Rs. 10,000 in installments.
He pointed out that the Government had not announced a stable price for paddy during the harvesting season and that the Paddy Marketing Board had not requested the allocated Rs. 5 billion for purchasing paddy.
Premadasa also criticised the lack of compensation mechanisms for crop damage caused by wild animals, floods, and heavy rains. He noted that while large-scale rice mill owners were buying paddy at low prices, farmers were left helpless. “Despite the Eastern Province nearing the end of the harvesting season, there is still no guaranteed price for paddy,” he said.
Furthermore, Premadasa raised concerns about the release of a large number of containers with red labels without proper inspection.”Out of the 323 containers released, 80% had red labels, indicating dangerous and hazardous items. We need to investigate whose orders led to their release,” he emphasised. He also questioned the Government’s claim that there were no drugs or weapons in the uninspected containers, calling it a massive corruption scandal. Premadasa highlighted the impact of the country’s bankruptcy on the lives of many citizens, who have been plunged into poverty. He criticised the lack of a clear plan to eradicate poverty and implement systematic relief programmes. “Even today, there is no clear plan to lift our country out of poverty,” he said, promising that a Samagi Jana Balawegaya Government would implement a systematic plan to address these issues.
He also stressed the importance of the upcoming Provincial Council Election, noting that Local Government services were not being fulfilled. “The upcoming Local Government Election is crucial. We need a competent team that the people trust to address issues such as road systems and drinking water problems,” he added.
Deneth Sankalana
