Maithri takes to the streets on behalf of farmers

• Says farmers are facing the worst tragedy in SL history
• Calls on Govt. to address issues faced by farmers
• Vows to join more protests going forward 

Former President Maithripala Sirisena joined a protest organised to draw the attention of authorities to the many issues faced by the farming community in Polonnaruwa. The protest was held in front of the New Market Complex in Polonnaruwa on Monday. 

The protest was organised by the Sri Lanka Freedom Farmers Front and attended by farmers belonging to farmer associations in the district. Also in attendance was Sri Lanka Freedom Party West Polonnaruwa Constituency Chief Organiser Daham Sirisena. 

Ex-President Sirisena said that the farmers who have mortgaged their belongings are facing the worst tragedy in history as they cannot sell their own crops for a reasonable price. He said the protest carried out by the farmers on the day was held to draw the attention of the authorities to provide relief to the affected farmers. 

“This protest has voiced the troubles faced by farmers not only in the Polonnaruwa District but those across the country. The Government must heed their calls. I will be part of similar protests on behalf of our farmers,” Sirisena added. 

Sri Lanka Freedom Farmers Front Chairman Jayasiri Bandara said that if farmers do not get a fair price for their paddy harvest, they will take to the streets and will be forced to take drastic action. Bandara said therefore, the current Minister of Agriculture should pay immediate attention to the problems faced by the current farmers.