January 04, Colombo (LNW): Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, overseeing Agriculture and Plantation Industries, directed the Agriculture Department to furnish a comprehensive technical report on the impending paddy harvest for the current season. This directive came during discussions held recently regarding the harvesting and procurement of paddy.
The primary aim behind soliciting this technical report is to assess any potential damage incurred by the paddy crops slated for harvest.
In response, Agriculture Department Director General Malathi Parasuraman pledged efforts to swiftly compile and provide the necessary technical report. The objective is to facilitate the sale of paddy held in warehouses owned by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) to small-scale rice mill owners ahead of the main harvest season.
Minister Amaraweera further urged PMB Chairman Buddhika Iddamalgoda to expedite ongoing investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption leveled against certain officials. He emphasized the immediate need for disciplinary actions against those implicated in such activities.
