By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

In a surprising turn of events, SLPP MP Chamal Rajapaksa stood up in Parliament yesterday to back an allegation made by Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, regarding the unjust prices being paid to paddy farmers for their produce.   

 During the parliamentary session, MP Rajapaksa revealed that paddy farmers in the Hambantota District are currently receiving a meagre Rs 75 per kilogramme for their harvest. He emphasized that at times, the prices even dips lower, resulting in farmers grappling with high production costs and financial difficulties. In light of these circumstances, Rajapaksa firmly advocated for an increased purchasing price of at least Rs 150 per kilogramme.  

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, echoed these concerns, bringing up the issue under standing orders 27(2).  

Mr. Premadasa stressed that paddy farmers are facing an arduous situation as they are only being paid Rs 80 per kilogramme of paddy, while the retail price of rice has surpassed Rs 200. He drew attention to the exorbitant costs of fertilizer, exacerbating the farmers’ challenges.  

Responding to the claims, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera clarified that the purchase of paddy does not fall within his purview and is instead managed by divisional secretaries.