Seed farm worker gripes shut Sandathenna

A tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya, the mini-world’s end at Sandathenna (Moon Plains), or ‘punchi lokanthaya’, from where nine of Sri Lanka’s highest mountains including Pidurutalagala, Kikiliyamana, Great Western, Single Tree, Hirigalpoththa, Namunukula, and Thotupolakanda, could be observed, has been shut down from yesterday due to a dispute over payments for staff.

Visitors reach the sometimes mist-covered site of about 350 acres, from the Seetha Eliya Seed Farm entrance of the Department of Agriculture. The farm produces seed potato. Private vehicles are not allowed. Visitors have to hire jeeps and expect a rough ride on an uneven, narrow road.

The farm manager has informed the director general of agriculture that the site will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and on public holidays.

The decision was taken by the Department of Agriculture as the employees were not paid any additional allowances or payments although several farm managers and officers had to work in the area in addition to their farm duties, due to the number of people visiting the tourist area on holidays.

The Seetha Eliya seed farm manager has informed the director general in writing. The programme has a shortage of workers. Foreigners pay an entrance fee of Rs. 400. A local is charged Rs 50. A safari jeep hire costs Rs 2,000. There are 21 jeeps allowed to escort visitors.

Since 2014, the operation has been managed by a number of farm officials under the supervision of the Seetha Eliya seed farm since the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council was removed from the programme.