April 03, Colombo (LNW): Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera rebuked certain political factions claiming to represent farmers, accusing them of attempting to dissuade farmers from paddy cultivation. Speaking at a ceremony held at the Lunama Agrarian Service Centre on Monday, the Minister asserted that despite their efforts, not a single farmer has been deterred from cultivating paddy.
The event marked the collection of rice in the Hambantota district as part of the district-level rice collection program for the 57th New Rice Festival 2024, to be held in honor of Anuradhapura’s Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi on April 6.
Minister Amaraweera highlighted a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s agriculture: achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. He noted that in 2022, the government had to import eight lakhs metric tonnes of rice, costing US$300 million. However, by 2023, the nation successfully produced the entire required amount domestically, ensuring that citizens consumed locally cultivated rice throughout the year. He reiterated that this year too, there is an abundant supply of rice, obviating the need for imports.
Attributing this achievement to government initiatives, including the reinstatement of chemical fertilizers and the return of protesting farmers to their fields in 2021, the Minister praised the nation’s farming community for their resilience and dedication. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating their contributions.
The upcoming New Rice Festival, scheduled for the 6th of the month in the presence of Anuradhapura’s Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, holds symbolic significance. Minister Amaraweera expressed hopes that this auspicious event would augur well for the Yala Season planting activities and the overall crop yield, ensuring self-sufficiency in paddy production for the year’s Maha Season and beyond.
