Govt. accused of destroying Mahaweli zones

Monday, 14 August 2023 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake says 65 000 acres in Mahaweli zones have been impacted by inadequate water management
Says decision to delegate powers over Mahaweli land to district secretaries is misguided
Calls on Govt. to prepare for consequences of El Nino effect
Stresses Govt. which burdens the people instead of taking necessary steps has no future

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mayantha Dissanayake yesterday accused the Government of destroying the country’s Mahaweli zones through detrimental decisions that have adversely affected the area.

“The damage caused to the farmers and the agriculture sector of the Mahaweli zones created by my father is unfortunate. At least 65,000 acres of paddy land have been impacted,” he said.

The MP emphasised that the Government’s inadequate management of water resources has led to the destruction of the Mahaweli zones.

He pointed out that the Government’s choice to delegate decision-making authority for Mahaweli land to district secretaries is a misguided decision. He also criticised the water management committees for their failure to make timely decisions, resulting in an inability to provide water to the farmers.

“Politicians, secretaries and other officials must bear the responsibility. But the Minister is now saying that paying compensation to farmers for crop damage is proving problematic,” he noted.

Dissanayake emphasised that farmers should receive compensation. He further recalled how during the challenging times of 1983 and 1984, his father had provided food for a whole year to the struggling farmers in Dehiattakandiya and Girandurukotte. “That was the type of Government that existed back then,” he added.

The MP cautioned that Sri Lanka’s agricultural future is at risk if the country’s Mahaweli zones and program are destroyed.

The MP also warned that Sri Lanka may have to depend on food imports given the current El Nino effect. “The Government must prepare for any eventuality. Technology can be used to face any challenges including the lack of rain. But why is the Government not doing this and instead burdening the people? A Government that does this has no future and cannot continue in this manner,” the MP stressed.

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