Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne has declared this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year as one of the most prosperous in recent memory, crediting a string of economic improvements and policy decisions for the upbeat national mood—especially in rural farming communities.
Speaking to the media, Karunaratne stated that compared to previous years, the New Year was celebrated with greater enthusiasm and financial confidence, particularly by the agricultural sector. “This time, people had the means to enjoy the New Year properly,” he said.
He attributed this success to a combination of factors: increased salaries for public servants, stable and profitable prices for paddy and other crops, expanded agricultural subsidies, and a drop in the cost of essential goods.
Highlighting the tangible benefits experienced by farmers, the Deputy Minister shared a personal example from his own village. “Two farmers I know sold their paddy harvests this season and were able to buy a van and a tractor. That tells you everything you need to know about how well they did.”
The comments come at a time when the government has been under pressure to revive the rural economy, which has been hit hard in recent years by inflation, crop failures, and reduced market access. According to Karunaratne, these positive results are not isolated but part of a broader recovery in the agriculture sector.
As planting for the next season begins, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that with continued support and favorable weather conditions, Sri Lanka’s farmers will maintain their momentum—paving the way for rural prosperity to become a long-term reality.
