Min. Duminda Dissanayake questions Thabuttegama farmers

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - A discussion was held between the farmers of the Thambuttegama area and the Minister of Agriculture, Duminda Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday (March 2). A clash broke out recently between the Thambuttegama police and protesting farmers in the area.

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Farmers Voice

" Steels rods and stones were not brought by us. We are surprised of what influenced this incident."

" We were incited. Farmers are not well educated. When incited, us farmers we become bears."

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Discussing the matter Minister Duminda Dissanayake questioned whether the farmers have met him and made him aware of the matter or spoken to the minister of irrigation, further have they discussed the matter with the water board? He stated that the farmers have acted according to their whims and fancies and have created havoc in the middle of the town.

“As farmers, you should not become tools for someone else. The president of the country would come forward to do any assistance that you require.” - Min Duminda Dissanayake

He further questioned the farmers stating that when the leader of the country is of that nature and when the minister of agriculture is the electorate of 'organizer of Kala wewa' why would the farmers resort actions like this? What was the reason for this provocation? What was the reason for the farmers to panic? Minister of Irrigation, Vijith Wijayamuni Soyza speaking about the matter stated that the farmers protested and set tires ablaze, they slept on the streets, attacked the police and went to jail. Now the farmers should take responsibility and go before courts.

“You have not just pointed the finger you have raised your hands and slapped the government. The government has felt it.” - Min Vijith Wijayamuni Soyza

According to the minister, Sri Lanka is a country that can be developed. Farmers must become a challenge to whatever political party that is trying to get political mileage while destroying the country. Further, he asked the farmers to look at the Uma Oya project and the destruction it has caused, the farmers in the central hill have to face the consequences.

“The SAITM issue and the garbage mountain is the same. Everyone is shouting that they are innocent. You know they are not. Vote for whoever you want. We do not care. Do not destroy the country. We are prepared to go home. We cannot let people dance the way they want.” - Min. Vijith Wijayamuni Soyza

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