UPFA politicians flee from farmers’ wrath
An agitation was held at Welimada town yesterday (2nd) by potatoe farmers demanding a fair price for potatoes. Local farmers are unable to get a fair price for their produce due to potatoes beingimported and stored when they are about to gather the harvest.
While the farmers were walking to Welimada town the Deputy Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Lasantha Alagiyawanna and UPFA Parliament for Badulla District Chamika Buddadasa attempted to stop farmers going to the town for the agitation by giving promises. However, farmers opposed the politicians and held a massive agitation in Welimada town.
When the present government came to power 40,800 metric tons of potatoes were imported. By 2013 it had increased to 1240700 metric tons. As a result local farmers have been denied the opportunity to get a fair price for their produce.