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Sri Lankan farmers raise concerns over govt.’s agricultural policies

Published

2 years ago

2024/02/23

Farmer’s protest File photo

The Sri Lankan government has held the 37th Session of the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, yet it appears to be unaware of the challenges faced by local farmers, says the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR).

The APRC was held in Colombo from February 19 to 22. Participants include policymakers, government officials, and representatives from civil society organisations, MONLAR has said, issuing a media statement.

Excerpts: “As the Maha harvesting season unfolds, Sri Lankan farmers are urging the government to establish a guaranteed price for their produce and strengthen the role of the state-owned Paddy Marketing Board. Their demands also include a plea for the cessation of subsidies to large-scale rice millers, viewed as a monopoly exploiting the farmers. Furthermore, these farmers are calling on the government to address longstanding issues, such as the renovation of state-owned paddy storage facilities. Despite persistent demands over decades, successive governments have yet to address these concerns raised by Sri Lankan farmers.

“The government is distributing freehold land titles to farmers and making amendments to land laws, aiming to establish a new land market within the country. However, alongside these initiatives which allow farmers to use their lands as collateral, there are many other actions being taken that threaten the well-being and livelihoods of small-scale farmers and food producers. Despite facing an economic crisis, the government has allocated substantial funds for importing food items with low nutritional value, all the while neglecting the legitimate concerns raised by farmers within the country.

“Moreover, the government lacks the capacity to regulate prices, with successive administrations endorsing the dismantling of established mechanisms designed for price control. As a consequence, the average Sri Lankan consumer is now confronted with the challenge of accessing both nutritious and affordable food. Alarming statistics from the World Food Program (WFP) indicate that 6.3 million Sri Lankans are currently grappling with food insecurity, urgently requiring humanitarian assistance. The WFP also notes that 5.3 million Sri Lankans are forced to skip meals, a trend that poses a significant setback to the strides previously made in human development.

“In 2018, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released a publication titled ‘Leaving no one behind: How Blue Growth can benefit women, youth, indigenous groups, and migrants.’ This document emphasises the goal of promoting the sustainable development of aquatic resources to benefit communities dependent on these resources for their livelihoods and food security. However, it appears that the FAO is advocating for certain policies, such as agricultural modernisation, commercialisation, Private Public Partnerships for food production, digitisation, and the promotion of one country, one crop. These initiatives tend to overlook the concerns and needs of rural farmers, small-scale fishermen, milch farmers, and other small-scale food producers.

“As farmers, we seek clarity on how the aforementioned policies are positively impacting our well-being. The implementation of these policies often requires a level of harshness that raises questions about the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) commitment to upholding human rights, as outlined in the UN declaration.

“The United Nations should ideally function as a platform for mitigating and preventing climate change. However, certain UN institutions are now endorsing the financialisation of climate change. Additionally, we strongly oppose the push for agriculture modernisation and private sector investments in agriculture, as these initiatives appear to primarily benefit the corrupt elite rather than providing tangible advantages for farmers and consumers.

Fundamentally, we reject false solutions that fail to tackle the underlying issues confronting food producers. Our demand is for a transformation of agriculture towards agroecology, an approach that addresses global warming, upholds the dignity of all communities, and fosters food sovereignty. We call upon the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to play a proactive role in encouraging nations worldwide to endorse and ratify the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas, a declaration approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council.”

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Related Topics:agricultural policies country Government human development

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.