A routine discussion between Sri Lankan farmer representatives and deputy agriculture minister turned confrontational this week, as frustrations mounted over unfulfilled promises, collapsing paddy prices, and the unchecked influence of large-scale rice millers.
The meeting, held with the participation of the Kaudulla Farmers’ Society and other local farming groups, saw State Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne and State Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath face criticism from farmers who accused them of abandoning their pre-election commitments.
Tensions escalated when an individual seated at the head table allegedly directed abusive language at a farmer presenting his grievances, further inflaming an already charged atmosphere.
Farmer representatives accused the ministers, both of whom had previously supported protests against the rice mill monopoly while in opposition, of failing to take any concrete steps to support small and medium-scale millers or to curtail monopolistic practices since assuming office.
Despite a government-stipulated purchase price for paddy, farmers claim that rice stocks are routinely rejected by millers on arbitrary grounds, forcing them to sell their harvests at significantly lower rates, reportedly as low as Rs. 85 per kilogram.
The meeting descended into disorder, with both state ministers lashing back, accusing farmers of being politically motivated or aligned with opposition factions.
Several farmers expressed deep disappointment, with some visibly emotional and one reportedly suffering a stress-related episode during the proceedings.
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