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Buddhist monks, sugar farmers to stage death fast

14 Nov 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Farmers attached to the Sevanagala Sugar Industries and the Buddhist monks from temples in the vicinity today decided to stage a death fast to urge the government to review its decision to acquire this business venture under the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Underused Assets Bill.

Sri Dharamapala Wiveka Senasana Chief Incumbent Ven. Thanamalwilla Sumangala Thera told a news conference that together with the farmers they would launch a death fast shortly to urge the government to remove Sevanagala Sugar Industries from the takeover list. The monk requested the government to have a discussion with Sevanagala Sugar Industries Chairman Daya Gamage and the heads of the other companies that are to be acquired and to come to an amicable agreement.

Ven. Sumangala Thera said the economy in the villages in and around the sugar factory had come to a standstill after the Bill was passed in parliament.

Joint Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association (JSCFA) President Justin Jayasekera said they had decided to launch a death fast as they had no other option. However he said they were unable to divulge any details on the planned death fast because of security reasons.

Responding to a question by the media as to why they had delayed to take action, Mr. Jayasekera said it took some time for them to understand the real picture. He explained that some people who claimed to be sugar cane farmers and sugar factory employees staged a protest making various allegations against the management of the factory but later they identified them to be outsiders.(By Yohan Perera)

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Buddhist monks, sugar farmers to stage death fast

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