Two separate demonstrations relating to drinking water and the other pertaining to matters related to the fishing community were held in two areas in the country on Thursday.

A protest was staged in the Bathalayaya Junction in Mahinyanganaya.

The protesters charge that the drinking water that their villages receive is polluted.

The demonstrators engaged in demonstrations by blocking the Mahiyanganaya – Polonnaruwa main road.

Thereafter, Minister of Agriculture for the Uva Province Anura Widangamage arrived at the location and expressed these views:

[quote]No matter how much you shout, this problem won’t be solved. We have to hold discussions and find a solution to the matter. Decisions were made intelligently. And they agreed to it and they said to come and see what is the matter. And I too agreed to it. What more are you telling us to do?[/quote]

Minister of Agriculture for the Uva Province Anura Widanagamage said:

[quote]We would like to state that we have already allocated grants from the Provincial Council in order to commence this water project.[/quote]

Meanwhile, a demonstration was staged in the vicinity of the Hikkaduwa Fisheries Harbour.

They charge that their boats sustain damages due to sand being collected at the entrance of the harbour.

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