Former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has launched a scathing critique of the current government’s paddy procurement program, alleging that despite its loud claims of clearing out warehouses and initiating a robust national paddy purchasing campaign, only six lorry loads of paddy have actually been purchased from local farmers to date.
Addressing a public gathering in Embilipitiya, Amaraweera ridiculed what he called the government’s “boastful rhetoric” and painted a picture of policy failure and agricultural neglect. He warned that Sri Lanka is now in danger of a looming rice shortage, which, according to the government’s own statements, may soon require imports from foreign markets.
Taking a jab at the double standards of the ruling administration, the former minister recalled how, in the past, government leaders had ridiculed their political opponents for importing rice, accusing them of surrendering the country’s food security to private traders and moneylenders from Pettah.
“And now look what’s happening,” Amaraweera said. “Back then, they said they would never hand over the country to a rice mill owner. But today, with the situation as it is, they might as well hand over the country to Dudley Sirisena.”
Dudley Sirisena, a well-known businessman and rice miller, has frequently been at the center of discussions around Sri Lanka’s rice market dominance and the role of private players in the nation’s agricultural economy.
Amaraweera’s comments come as the country continues to face economic uncertainty, with rising food prices, import dependency, and poor domestic yield management dominating the political conversation. His remarks also highlight the growing frustration within opposition circles—and among farmers—regarding what they see as the government’s broken promises to protect local agriculture and ensure food self-sufficiency.
As the debate heats up over how to handle the paddy harvest and manage food inflation, Amaraweera’s biting commentary adds to a growing chorus of criticism facing the administration, as it attempts to navigate the delicate balance between domestic production and import reliance.
