Oppn using drought for political gain - Maithripala

Nadira Gunatillke

Minister Sirisena

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday lamented the conduct of certain political parties which use the drought in Raja Rata to attack the government and aim at political gains but fail to offer a solution to help farmers.

“The government has taken steps to protect farmers from the adverse conditions of the drought. Many relief measures have been taken on behalf of the farmers on President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s direction,” he said.

Minister Sirisena said circulars have been issued to offer relief to farmers.

About 30,000 farmers in the Polonnaruwa district alone have submitted applications to obtain compensation. It shows the severity of the drought in the area. The government has taken many decisions in connection with offering relief to affected farmers, he said.

The affected farmers will be provided cash for the first ploughing and seed paddy and fertiliser free of charge. Relief has also been offered to the affected farmers who obtained bank loans for agricultural activities.

The government has taken the responsibility to re-build the lives and future of affected farming families, the minister said.