Farmers protest over budget neglect, halt agricultural activities

By Mangala Pavithrani

Farmers across several areas, including Welimada and Uva Paranagama, have withdrawn from agricultural activities today, citing unresolved problems and a lack of attention to farming in this year’s budget.

The protest was held in Keppetipola town this morning and was organised by farmers’ groups under the banner of the "Voice of the Farmers of the Country."

Farmers have been expressing concerns over the low prices for local potatoes and onions, despite the harvesting season being underway. They also criticised the government for importing potatoes and onions during the local harvest, which they say has left them helpless.

The farmers further claimed that insufficient measures have been taken to market their produce and that their issues have largely been ignored in the budget.

The Voice of the Farmers of the Country said that they would undertake a trade union action by suspending all agricultural activities until their demands are addressed.