National Farmers’ Council to be established

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the government will establish a National Farmers’ Incorporated Council, according to a proposal approved by the Parliament to get the active participation of the farmers community and to receive their views and suggestions in decision making process in the field of agriculture as well as in formulating budget proposals.

He said that the Farmers’ Council will include representatives from Farmers’ organizations in every district and the Council will meet once in every six months with the participation of officials from the Treasury, Ministry of Irrigation and Agriculture as well as Mahaweli development to take decisions with regard to the purchasing paddy, fertilizer subsidy, getting agricultural equipment as well as regarding the market situation. 

The decisions taken at this Council cannot be altered and actions will be taken to enforce legal power for those decisions and the implementation of these decisions would be mandatory. He made these remarks addressing the Farmers’ Conference held at the BMICH on April 06.

The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management under the theme ‘ Govi Samuluwai- Jana Suwayai’.

Addressing the gathering, President Sirisena further said that even though some sections of the social media sites severely accused the Government by reporting that the Government has spent a huge amount for this Farmers’ Conference, and what they should keep in their mind is that this not a carnival or musical show but a Conference to discuss the actual grievances of the farming community and provide solutions for their problems.

He recalled that the previous governments never attempted to hold a Farmers’ Conference and said as a government which is committed to serve the people, his government does not fear criticisms. "Only those who are incapable of fulfilling duties are blaming the government," he said.

He further said that a Farmers’ Day will be declared in the near future, which is effective from this year and parallel to that day, many programs to protect their rights and privileges and to uplift their living standard would be launched.

President Sirisena also pointed out that today, as well as tomorrow of the nation depends on the strength of the agriculture as Sri Lanka’s national economy is based on the agriculture. “The foundation has been laid by the new government to initiate a new journey in agriculture”, he added.

The President further stated that as a leader who always stood for the rights and benefits of the farming community, he would ridicule the farmers’ fights for their rights and benefits. “I will never suppress them, but will listen to their voices”, he said.

President Sirisena also emphasized that rather than any other government; the new government will be committed to enhancing the farming community by strengthening their economic livelihood. He added he would take the necessary decisions to facilitate the farmers to engage in their production activities at a low cost.

A letter regarding the issues in Chena cultivation and sugar cane cultivation was presented to the President on this occasion. The representatives of the farmer organizations presented their problems to the President in this discussion.