Vissa farmers ignored and neglected by officials

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The suffering of helpless farmers and the hardships they go through to save their crops from wild elephants see no end. The residents in the Vissa colony established under the Gal Oya development project in the Ampara district spend sleepless nights protecting their crops from wild elephants. A woman full of tears noted that they haven't had a proper meal in four months as they are overcome by debt. Another villager noted that no official has heard their implores and they have left with no other option than committing suicide. Although in this season farmers of Wissa were able to harvest crops unlike in the last few years, unfortunately, this year they are threatened with wild elephants. It was revealed when they make their complaints to the wildlife department, they chase away the elephants instead of coming up with permanent solutions. Are the relevant officials who are supposed to come up with practical solutions fast asleep? If the farming community is neglected and left helpless, would our children and future generations continue to farm and make our country prosperous and plentiful with rice in the future?

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