Demonstration by maize cultivators in Ampara

Crop devastation caused by Fall Armyworm

Maize cultivators in several areas in the Ampara District including Damana and Namalaoya staged a demonstration in front of the Ampara District Secretariat demanding compensation for crop devastation caused by the Fall Armyworm (Sena Dalambuwa). More than 1,500 farmers affiliated to the All Ceylon Agrarian Congress participated. They demanded immediate payment of Rs.75,000 per acre as compensation.

The farmers carrying banners, and placards assembled near the Ampara main post office and marched to the District Secretariat. They severely criticized the authorities who ignored the disastrous situation that affected maize cultivation all over the country.

Convener of the Protest National Organiser of the All Ceylon Agrarian Congress Namal Karunaratne said the government should work out a formula for paying compensation to prevent any injustice to the farmers. He pointed out that the farmers had incurred heavy losses due to the pest and the loss of market of maize.

Addl. District Secretary Udara Nanayakkara and District Director of Agriculture M. S. A. Kaleeze met the convener of the protest National Organiser of the All Ceylon Agrarian Congress Namal Karunaratne and District Convener Wasantha Piyatissa and promised to take up the issue with the relevant authorities through the Government Agent.

The farmers carrying banners, and placards assembled near the Ampara main post office and marched to the District Secretariat. They severely criticized the authorities who ignored the disastrous situation that affected maize cultivation all over the country