The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, states that a significant portion of the country’s tax revenue is spent on the farming community.
The Minister made these remarks while attending the event held to mark the renovation of the Maha Mankadawala tank bund and the construction of a gated spillway structure, implemented under the “Vari Mahima Ape Urumaya” (Grandeur of Irrigation, Our Heritage) national programme.
He stated that billions of rupees have been allocated for the benefit of farmers, adding that foreign remittances received by the country are also being utilised to support the agricultural sector.
Minister Lalkantha further noted that not only paddy farmers, but also small tea estate owners and pepper exporters play a vital role in the national economy.
He also stated that, as there is no export demand for Sri Lankan rice, farmers should supply their entire paddy harvest to the Paddy Marketing Board when its storage facilities are opened, rather than storing it in anticipation of price increases.
He further noted that efforts are being made to maintain a stable paddy price, as price fluctuations in the sector remain a concern.
“There is no demand for our country’s rice in the foreign market. Hand over your paddy when the stores of the Paddy Marketing Board are opened. Do not hold it in anticipation of further price increases. Otherwise, the situation experienced this time will recur. Fluctuation in paddy prices is an issue. We are trying to maintain a stable price for paddy. When expenses rise and production costs increase, prices should also increase. We will address this and keep paddy prices as stable as possible while providing subsidies for production costs,” the Minister said.
He further stated that despite global challenges, no industry in the country had been allowed to collapse, and that fuel shortages had been prevented. He also noted that private fertilizer companies had contributed by supplying fertilizer to the government for distribution to paddy farmers through Agrarian Service Centres.
“People often say that private companies exist only to exploit. Fertiliser prices will also decrease in the future. We hope that our farming community will consider the broader interests of the public,” he added.
Meanwhile, under the government’s policy of “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,” the renovation of the Maha Mankadawala tank bund and the construction of the gated spillway structure commenced on July 2 near the tank bund, under the patronage of the Minister, as part of the “Vari Mahima Ape Urumaya” national programme.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 83.20 million.
