President encourages farmers to use organic fertiliser products

President Maithripala Sirisena said the government will continue to implement programs to encourage farmers to use organic fertiliser products in order to protect them from the adverse health effects caused by the excessive use of chemical fertiliser.

The President remarked that some interested parties are trying to stop the usage of organic fertiliser which is good for the country and the farming community, with the intention of achieving narrow political gains.

Taking part in the “Aluth Sahal Mangalyaya” (New Rice Festival) held at the historic Gal Viharaya premises this morning under his patronage; President Sirisena said the government has already implemented many plans to empower the living standard of farmers.

The traditional New Rice Festival, held for the 49th time this year, celebrates the first harvest of the rice crop. During the ceremony, the first portion of the rice threshed from the first harvest of paddy in the Maha Season is offered to the temple. The rice harvest was brought in a procession to the Gal Viharaya Temple from Polonnaruwa’s historic Kiri Vehera.

Following religious rituals at the Gal Viharaya Temple, the President offered the first rice of this season to the Maha Sangha.

The New Rice Festival ritual expects to obtain divine blessings to make the country prosperous with agricultural produce, with the timely occurrence of rains.

The New Rice Festival had been jointly organised by Polonnaruwa Farmer Organisations and the Polonnaruwa Divisional Secretariat.

Addressing the gathering, President Maithripala Sirisena said the efforts of the farming community to strengthen the economy by providing food to the country would never be undervalued. He requested the farming community to manage the usage of water prudently.

Chief Priest of the Polonnaruwa Solosmasthanaya Venerable Wendaruwe Upali then delivered a special sermon on the occasion.