Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila handing over a hand tractor to a farmer.

Gammanpila alarmed at dwindling farmer community

Disna Mudalige

A means of attracting the younger generation towards agriculture is needed to find a solution to the shortage of farmers in the Western Province, Western Provincial Council Agriculture, Agrarian Development, Minor Irrigation, Industries and Environment Minister Udaya Gammanpila said.

He said the majority of members in agriculture societies are over 60 years, adding that when the older generation retires from work, the nation may have to starve, since the younger generation is reluctant to take up farming as a profession.

Gammanpila said the younger generation should be made aware of the importance and value of agriculture.

He said agricultural societies have been set up in every school in the Western Province to cater to this requirement, adding that agricultural equipment and technology have been provided to schools through these societies.

Gammanpila made these comments participating at a ceremony to distribute 86 hand tractors worth Rs 23million under the Govi Riya Aruna programme.

Gammanpila expressing his views on the executive presidency stated it has been implemented in a faulty manner due to the shortcomings in the 1978 constitution.

He said the 1978 constitution was a distortion.

He said the executive presidency itself is not harmful.

Gammanpila noted it is being maintained in many countries including the USA, Russia, France, Latin America and Indonesia, without even a slightest demand to repeal it.