Compensation for crop devastation

• The government has a grave responsibility to help the affected people and to save the country from the imminent scarcity of rice

By Ranjith Karunaweera   

Vedda Chief Uruvarigelage Vannila Ettho said Rs.40,000 of compensation for the crop devastation caused by rain and floods was quite insufficient.   

He told the media that Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne who had been the President of the All Ceylon Agrarian Organisation should have reconsidered this decision. He pined out that the Deputy Minister should understand that the payment of Rs.40,000 is not sufficient to pay for agro -chemicals, and seed paddy purchased from the private traders on credit.   

“ The Deputy Minister was the main campaigner to protect the farmers. Today the people are facing a disastrous situation caused by rain and floods. The paddy producing districts of Ampara and Batticaloa are the worst affected. If they are not provided substantial relief, they would not be able to face the consequences of the disaster and that it would result in a severe shortage of rice.   

“ In this scenario the government has a grave responsibility to help the affected people and to save the country from the imminent scarcity of rice. It is imperative that a substantial price should be paid as compensation for crop devastation” The Vedda Chief further said.