Dairy farmers protest against powdered milk imports

Dairy farmers earlier this week began a protest march in Madampe, near Chilaw, against import of powdered - milk and launched a campaign to promote fresh milk.

After invoking blessings at the Munneswaram Temple, the dairy farmers began their protest walk through the neighbouring towns of Bingiriya, Hettipola, Wariyapola and reached Aswedduma a dairy village near Kurunegala, all covering the key dairy milk producing areas.

The farmer-leader was clad in loin-cloth throughout the walk. "Demanding a fair price for their milk and an affordable price for the consumers, the dairy farmers were asking the government to work out a National Policy for local milk production," a statement from the farmers said.

Dairy farmers from Chilaw, Madampe, Nattandiya and Ambanpola participated in this campaign.