Govt. officers must not interfere in State land allocation for cultivation: PM

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday said, as the Government has instructed to issue State lands to farmers for cultivation by circulars, public officials must not interfere in the process.

He made these remarks during the distribution of goods from the Parliamentary Decentralised Fund to farmers, women, and voluntary entities in Homagama, Kandanawatta yesterday.

“We are facing difficult times economically. We all have to work together to overcome it. The first battle is to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Even if it is not possible to produce everything from village to village, the unity of the people living there has the potential to bring the country to self-sufficiency in terms of food,” he added.

Premier Gunawardena added the Government has placed trust in the potential of farmers and the State is obliged to support this belief.

He also said village-to-village programs for national revival are being implemented in 14,200 village service sectors. The Prime Minister said the Government has also worked to strengthen those who engage in handicrafts and small industries in Sri Lanka.

He expressed hope to overcome the economic crisis adding that this feat will be a success only if all public organisations, civil organisations and women rally together.