Government delays payment to dairy farmers

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Dairy Farmers in the North Central Province have expressed concerns regarding issues that have threatened their livelihood. Speak to News 1st a dairy farmer in the area stated that "about 100 litres of milk per day is supplied and that within the course of 15 days that a supply of 1500 litres are made. But we still haven't been paid for the milk we supplied since the 1st of June." In a press briefing, the All Ceylon Farmers Federation drew further attention to the delay in payments to dairy farmers. Mr Namal Karunarathne, National Organizer of the All Ceylon Farmers Federation, stated that they along with a few dairy farmers had met with Vijayamuni De Soysa, who at the meeting agreed to resolve the delay pertaining to payments to Milco farmers all with a host of other issues. "However, by the 15th of May, this government owes Rs 430 million to farmers who supply milk to Milco. The salaries must be paid every fortnight. But they acted against the promises given by this government and [Minister] Vijayamuni De Soysa. The farmers received their money after a lapse, however, they are still continuing that 2-week lapse in the payment of salaries. Plans are being made to sell off Milco" continued Mr Karunarathne. Mr Zulfickar Kaadar, Chairman of Milco told News 1st that he had to pay salaries that were delayed 4 times since he was appointed as Chairman and that 2 sets of the delayed salaries have been paid and that there are only 2 more left. Mr Kaadar denied that Milco was to be privatised and stated any such rumours are false.