Agriculture will be country’s priority, President says in Anuradhapura

Agriculture will be the country’s priority after resolving the number of persisting issues and shortcomings affecting it, says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Issues such as shortage of water supply and fertilizer for agriculture are being addressed by the government and the failure to make payments due to suppliers on time has resulted in a delay in the importation of fertilizers, the President has noted, adding that the absence of a proper market and a price for their produce has rendered the farmers helpless. The President has stressed that these issues will be addressed and steps will be taken to protect the farming community.

President Rajapaksa made these remarks joining the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna election campaign in Anuradhapura, on Friday (July 03), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The President who visited the Thammannawa Nidahas Uyana Village in Thalawa, has engaged in a cordial discussion with the residents of the area and inquired into their well-being.

President Rajapaksa also looked into the requirements for improving the water supply facilities of Eriyagama tank.  The president has given instructions to the Resident Manager to take steps to provide solutions for the prevailing issues.

Minister S.M. Chandrasena and former Chief Minister of the Province S.M. Ranjith were also present on this occasion.

The President also joined the public gathering organized near Kala Wewa in support of the former Minister Duminda Dissanayake.

President Rajapaksa sought the views of the public regarding the current condition of the road construction activities as well as their agricultural activities.

The President also paid homage to the Kadawara Devalaya near the tank bund.

President Rajapaksa who visited the Kekirawa Town joined a public gathering held in Kumbuk Sevena area. That was organized in support of SLPP candidate Mr. Weerasena Gamage.

The Maha Sangha of the area, other religious leaders and people living in the area were in attendance. The President who was seen engaged in a very cordial discussion with them paid his attention to the issues faced by the farming community particularly the issue of water scarcity.

People in the area who represent various ethnic groups informed the President cultural issues they faced.

The Kekirawa Trade Association handed over a set of proposals relating to the development of the area, to President Rajapaksa.

The President also observed construction works of the Ganadevi Kovil.

The President joined in another public gathering held in Galkulama area Mihintale in support of SLPP candidate T.M.R. Siripala.

The President also engaged in a very cordial discussion with the Maha Sangha and the public drew his attention to the issues of area, the PMD said further.