Audio: Hemakumara drops bombshell over agricultural mishap

23 June 2012 06:37 am - 47 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While faulting the government for its “stupid” and "foolish" decisions with regard to its Agricultural policy, former Presidential Advisor on agricultural affairs Hemakumara Nanayakkara said he would decide on his future political path “in the next few days”.

“ The Agricultural policy of this government is not going in the right direction, farmers were guaranteed a purchase price of Rs.26 for paddy but the price has now been reduced to Rs. 18 causing severe hardship and distress to farmers. I don’t make these statements while sitting in an air-conditioned room in Colombo. I have visited farmers in areas including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya,Kawudulla, Ginidama and Hingurakdamana among other farming areas. After these visits I submitted a report requesting all responsible people to immediately rectify this problem but there were no efforts taken to rectify this” he said.

The former Minister went on to state that the issues do not end with the farmers. “ Now there is an issue with vegetables, there is an issue with milk production and the marketing of milk and the government is trying to give some sort of excuse to escape from the situation which I personally don’t like and do not approve”.

Nanayakkara went on to say that the government’s agricultural policy in recent times has been ‘sinful’ “They came out with a stupid plan of bringing down the Kundasale School of agriculture and building an airport. In the same way they want to establish an airport in Seethaeliya. These are the most pivotal points of the country's agricultural development. If the government is interested in the country's agricultural development it will not make these kind of foolish decisions, so I don’t want to be a party to this sin, this curse, which Is why I decided to relinquish my duties”

When the Daily Mirror asked Nanayakkara about the remarks made by the Minister of Agriculture in parliament yesterday denying reports of building an airport in Kundasale, Nanayakkara said it was the same minister who told the media a few days ago about the proposed airport. “ He must be under pressure. That is why he is making these statements, but i'm not under any pressure, ” he said.

When asked about the political future of the Galle district heavyweight , he said he would continue to be actively involved in Politics ” I will continue to be involved in active and honest politics. My politics has always been honest and I will make a decision regarding my political future in the next few days” he said. (Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 47

Barath Saturday, 23 June 2012 03:54 PM

Don't you see? he is wearing green sataka, later sataka will be replaced with the green cap.

liyanage Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:52 AM

Suddenly after so long you become enlightened, was there any default on consultancy fees.

nesh Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:03 AM

I think its time for the Mahinda regime to go home. We should appreciate that he put an end to the wr but the corruption is too hight to see a bright future for Sri lanka

godaya Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:20 AM

please join hands with general

Dalu Banda Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:21 AM

What Hemakumara understands is not understood by Wasudewa.

Amila Perera Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:25 AM

This is what will happen to all the guys who crossed over from UNP. All of them crossed over for personal gains. See what has happened to KJ.

pramoth Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:48 AM

dont say stupid statements to public. UNP is only political party to give boost to this current poor economy. Unp is ever best party to join who has good political view and professionalism qualification . so we warmly invite to hemakumara join with ur mother political party. go to hell rajapaksha. thats my wish

RajasH Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:52 AM

beginning of the end?

Gamachcige Saturday, 23 June 2012 10:10 AM

All decisions made based on the commission for politicos,therfore no policy in the country.All puput ministers do not know what is right or wrong.They are only puputs.
They all forget what lies they toltd yesterday because they tell only lies, all lies can't remember. That why they say one thing in the morning and another thing in the afternoon on same matter.
Finally it says that his personla openion ,that is not governement policy.This is the foolishness of our srilankan people, not the politicos,people prepare to any dirty thing for their personal gain,not for the country or people.People already learn a lession but real alternate leadership. Who trust UNP???

chill boy Saturday, 23 June 2012 10:54 AM

here we go..thats what going to happen..
wait and see...
drama starting now onwards...

piyal samarakone Saturday, 23 June 2012 11:52 AM

Well if you are a clean politician certainly you can work according to your consience why not?
wrong is wrong no matter which quarter its coming from

senavi Saturday, 23 June 2012 12:03 PM

Despite his rural chintnaya, MR has become a Colombian - More duty free for seat warming officials. Who cares about farmers who give us food

Sapumal Bandara Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:49 AM

Things are beginning to happen? Coming colours excellent!

sam Saturday, 23 June 2012 03:50 PM

when he was with MR he was the most corrupted politician. when he resigned from MR government he is the only clean politician .what is this idiot's comments . who accept this.

sooriya Sunday, 24 June 2012 01:44 AM

THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE TO GENTLEMEN WHO ACTUALLY WANT TO DEVELOP THE ISLAND

indi Sunday, 24 June 2012 04:21 AM

A Brave man in this era of Srilanka.

rahu Sunday, 24 June 2012 04:48 AM

just drive from Matara to Dickwella. you may see many paddy land becoming land for restaurant with political power. if ministry involved for this how many tons of paddy can be cultivated per annum. Please open your eyes minister

das Sunday, 24 June 2012 05:33 AM

Actually, most rural types want to be colombians they only preach their nonsense while they are poor. Just like how communists quickly adaot to the capitalist way of life.

joker Sunday, 24 June 2012 06:00 AM

prob he did not get his cuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haris Sunday, 24 June 2012 06:40 AM

I can remember some time back you all people was talking about that HN can't speak English.

Haris

dxb Sunday, 24 June 2012 07:25 AM

This man was originally from SLFP , and was a prominent member of Anura & MR group ; against CBK.

Nodrog Sunday, 24 June 2012 10:43 AM

Has he all of a sudden realized how rotten the regime is? Or is it a case of sour grapes?

Richardson Monday, 25 June 2012 05:27 AM

UN P has sunk to its lowest level,It has a whole bunch of losers,born losers.
Hemakumara is not a loser and not going after money.

I have known him from child hood.

Hade sheriff Monday, 25 June 2012 12:28 PM

Hats Off to Hemakumara Salute for your honesty.

Dinesh Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:20 AM

correctly said. These thing should have been in place long time ago

Wadduwage Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:14 AM

Dear sir
Please propose an effective agricultural policy to the country. You are an agricultural graduate. Also was a minister. Please do this . We are infront of a dedend with respect to national agriculture. Please explain to policy makers the sithation .

perera Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:30 AM

good on you. i hope you are as good as your word and expose these corrupt people who are ruining this country

SF Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:23 AM

If Sri Lanka want to developed country soon, it should have proper policy. It should not UNP, UPFA or JVP policy. At least UPFA, UNP and expertt from relavent subject make national policies for school education, higher education, agriculture,Industries, technology, transport and infrasture developments. Goverments can carried out their action plan during their ruling period within national policy. Education, Agriculture, Industries and Science and technology are very important for developments.

Faz Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:37 AM

While you actively involved in the politics try to propose right agriculture policy to country. When we move towards industrialization we should consider our traditional income sources too. But we are weak in all. What is the future?????

das Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:47 AM

Are we abt to see some crossovers?

Nandana Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:50 AM

I hope you to join UNP.

Sando Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:01 AM

Joinn hands with General Sarath Fonseka

cramsegamer Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:11 AM

Govt must understand the others who cross-overed from other patry will do the same. What govt didi was it lost its real helpers and get close these people. Long lasing helpers under frustation....

cramsegamer Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:15 AM

No matter. That is your 'Maha Gedara"

Dinesh Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:14 AM

Please don't join the UNP they are worst than the present government...Best choice is form a new political party....

Rom Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:19 AM

WOW no negetives so far on these comments!!!!!

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:02 AM

This is how most of the "cross-overs" end up.

nizar Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:19 AM

Dear Brother,

Please propose a very good and practicable agricultural policy to the nation, if you failed to do so please cross-over as all failed foolish who do/did will do

Thanks

Slds Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:25 AM

While applauding and appreciating Mr Nanayakkara's bold pronouncement - we need more people like you in politics today - I hope he would remain an independent voice and not be part of the utterly opportunistic political circus prevailing in Sri Lanka.

Imran Hussein Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:21 AM

oh that was somewhat a brave speech from a regime member. Lets see who is next. One of the Siras?

lovesri Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:28 AM

Trend is setting

me Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:29 AM

I would not have a got chance for enough Cake. So why should be there they feed only to own blood.

p.wijesekera Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:33 AM

He is President's advisor. Why doesn't he give his words of wisdom to the President?

Junta Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:38 AM

go with Fonseka!

joker Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:36 AM

sour grapes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Appuhamy Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:37 AM

Good news. Listening to our farmers make all of us cry. Ppl in the city enjoy, farmers wanting to commit suicide. It is pathetic !

M.V.R.Perera Saturday, 23 June 2012 08:38 AM

I too recommend join with General SF who is a true patriot

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Audio: Hemakumara drops bombshell over agricultural mishap

Comments - 47

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