The All Ceylon Farmers' Federation warned it would be “forced to take drastic action” if the Sri Lankan government fails to pay subsidies as has been pledged, reports the Sunday Leader.
Namal Karunaratne, National Organiser of the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation, said farmers had been promised subsidies of Rs. 2,800 to help them buy seed paddy, but over 75% of them had not yet been paid.
“The previous government paid some of the farmers this compensation,” said Mr Karunaratne. “We have also held several demonstrations in protest of the government’s indifference toward our farming communities, but to no avail,” he added.
Stating that his organisation had asked to meet the minister of agriculture, Mr Karunaratne warned that “if there is no positive response from the minister as well, we will be forced to take drastic action”.
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