By Roy Denish.
Paddy farmers protest in Hettipola saw growers carry a coffin, demand Rs.150 per kilo, and confront officials over paddy prices.
Paddy farmers protest action escalated in Hettipola yesterday morning (06), as representatives of the Matale Hettipola Minipe United Farmers’ Organizations carried a coffin and protest banners into town, demanding that the government provide a fair price for paddy.
Paddy Farmers Protest Reaches Wilgamuwa Secretariat
Representatives from six farmers’ organizations joined the demonstration and marched to the Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat. They demanded 150 LKR per kilogram for paddy and handed over a memorandum to the Assistant Divisional Secretary of Wilgamuwa.
The paddy farmers protest also included representatives of the Minipe United Farmers’ Organization. According to the Hiru correspondent, the protesters later proceeded to the Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat to formally submit the memorandum.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture held a special discussion on paddy prices yesterday. Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe, and others attended the meeting. A group of rice businessmen, including Dudley Sirisena, also took part in the discussion.
As Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe spoke to the media after leaving the meeting, he removed the microphone of the Hiru journalist.
Credit: Kandy Prime News
