Demand for compensation for Onion farmers

The Opposition parties in the Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabhawa proposed that the Government should pay compensation to the local onion farmers, as the state failed to draw a plan to purchase the production.

Opposition members wearing garlands prepared by local onions arrived at the Council chanting slogans against the government. ‘Govi Putha rajawuna, Goviyata kelawuna’  (‘The farming son became the leader and the farmer was ruined’)

At the meeting a heated debate took place after the opposition members mooted a proposal that compensation should be paid to the affected farmers.

Member Jagath Senanayake told the meeting that two farmers had already consumed poison and have been hospitalized, but government members claimed they had consumed poison for different reasons.

Heated exchange of words between government and opposition members followed.

Opposition members continued to demand that a resolution should be passed so that farmers will be paid compensation.

However, Chairman of the Council W.M.Thilakaratna, presiding over the sessions said that such motion cannot be passed, without the submission of a proposal.

However, the Chairman said that he would discuss with the President within a week and try to find a solution to the issue.