Lal Kantha media allegations target Hiru and Derana as the minister outlines salary increases, paddy prices and farming reforms.
The Lal Kantha media allegations intensified after the Agriculture Minister accused Hiru and Derana of spreading false propaganda to embarrass the Government.
K.D. Lal Kantha made the remarks during a meeting at the Mahaweli Buddha Mandapaya in Embilipitiya. The event focused on the Agriculture Ministry’s future programme.
The Minister also said the Government plans to increase public servants’ salaries through the upcoming budget.
He rejected the view that state employees receive their salaries as a form of charity from taxpayers. Instead, he said they earn their income through their labour and service.
“The notion that public servants are paid by the people is wrong,” Lal Kantha said.
“They work hard from morning until night and receive a salary in return for their labour. In fact, the current salary they receive is inadequate compared to the service they provide.”
Lal Kantha Discusses Paddy Prices and Farmer Support
Turning to agriculture, the Minister said Rs. 120 per kilogram was a fair paddy price. However, he acknowledged that the amount would not adequately support farmers who record lower yields.
He said the Government was building a new system to stabilise paddy and rice prices. According to Lal Kantha, authorities also intend to prevent middlemen from exploiting farmers and consumers.
The Minister claimed that Sri Lanka now produces 98% of the seeds required nationally. He also said the country currently has a rice-production surplus.
“If we can, we will provide fertiliser for free,” he said.
“Concessions should be given for agrochemicals and equipment. But farmers must also be eager to increase their yields.”
Lal Kantha added that Sri Lanka may need to import some rice varieties for tourists. However, he argued that the country did not need to import products such as canned fish.
Lal Kantha Media Allegations Target Broadcasters
The Minister then criticised Hiru and Derana, accusing both broadcasters of using false reports to damage the Government’s reputation.
He did not present evidence supporting those accusations during the remarks quoted in the supplied report. Neither broadcaster’s response to this latest statement was included.
“We work collectively,” Lal Kantha said. “Whatever the media says, we will make the decisions that need to be taken for the people.”
The dispute follows an earlier confrontation between Lal Kantha and Hiru over errors in reporting his asset declaration. Hiru corrected two calculations but later disputed the Minister’s broader claims and compensation demand.
