Farmers' status raised by present govt- Keheliya

Disna MUDALIGE

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's regime has successfully empowered and strengthened farmers, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the ministry yesterday, the minister said all governments in post independence Sri Lanka made various attempts to raise the status of farmers, but nobody except the present leadership of the country has really crowned the farmers.

The minister said the agriculture sector has become very strong today due to the present regime's efforts and correct policies. Rambukwella said paddy cultivation was converted into a profitable venture under this government. He said the fertiliser subsidy and government intervention to purchase paddy at a certified price encouraged the farmers and thereby helped achieve self- sufficiency in rice.

The minister said the President soon after returning to the country, had a meeting with officials on the drought condition in the country and future measures. Rambukwella said agriculture mostly depends on the weather conditions.