Farmers attempt to obstruct Moneragala District Development Committee demanding compensation

COLOMBO (News 1st) -  The Moneragala District Development Committee meeting was held amidst a protest staged by local farmers. The protesting farmers obstructed the entrance of the Moneragala District Secretariat, claiming that they had not received any compensation, including compensation for the crop damage caused by the Sena caterpillar menace. The protestors' attempt to submit a list of difficulties they faced to the Development Committee meeting deemed futile and they remained at the entrance of the Moneragala District Secretariat for about 3 hours. One of the protestors, a mother shared an emotional story with our correspondent regarding her state. "I came here with Rs 200 and what am I to provide these children with? For breakfast, I fed my child with manioc and rice. We are experiencing hardship because of the actions of the thieves in government. We are not seeking a throne. We are not seeking vehicles or houses. We are requesting for something which will benefit all. Look at this hip, there are blisters because of farming" Following the committee meeting, MP Sumedha G. Jayasena arrived at the scene of the protest and ensured the government will compensate for the damages they suffered. However, the protestors booed the MP conveying their disapproval. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Minister of Public Administration, Disaster Management and Rural Economic Affairs arrived before the protestors amidst disapproval and stated that he would look into the matter. Meanwhile, the hunger strike campaign launched by a group of farmers in front of the Mahaweli Resident Manager's Office in Thambuttegama continued for its 6th consecutive day today(July 29). The campaign was launched demanding compensation for the damages caused due to the inadequate supply of water to the zone. A representative of the Farmer's Organization noted that at the seasonal meeting it was decided to provide adequate water for the Yala season. He added that they were promised with water supply on the 25th of May yet they did not receive water. He added that the protest is to demand a compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre of farmland they had to sacrifice. A group of agrarian representatives and a few protestors met the resident manager of the Mahaweli Project today(July 29) but to no avail.