Mr. Dilith Jayaweera, an entrepreneur and presidential candidate for the Sarvajana alliance, has outlined his strategic plan to rejuvenate Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. Speaking at a public meeting held near the Polonnaruwa Kadurwela bus station on September 13 as part of his ‘Dilith Gamata’ series, Jayaweera addressed the pressing need to improve the conditions of the nation’s farmers.
In his speech, Jayaweera emphasized the importance of lifting farmers out of poverty, stating, “We cannot continue to let our farmers sink deeper into hardship. It is our responsibility to rescue them and enhance their standard of living. Nearly 30% of our population directly depends on agriculture. These individuals deserve a better life, and our strategy will focus on increasing their income and improving their working conditions.”
Jayaweera criticized the current guaranteed pricing system for agricultural produce, which he argued perpetuates poverty among farmers. He described the existing system as insufficient, stating, “The guaranteed price being offered today only ensures that farmers remain impoverished. It fails to provide a sustainable income, forcing them to struggle each season.”
His plan includes a revision of the guaranteed pricing model, advocating for a more scientifically managed approach to regulate the market. Jayaweera aims to shift away from what he views as ineffective pricing strategies and establish a system that provides fair compensation for farmers’ efforts and investments.
“We need to break free from this flawed concept of guaranteed pricing and create an agricultural framework that delivers proper income for the hard work and dedication of our farmers,” Jayaweera asserted. His strategy focuses on fostering a thriving agricultural sector that not only supports farmers but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.
