Sri Lankan former president vows better future for farmers

In what appeared to be an indication of his plan for re-election, former President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not leave room for the present plight of farmers to befall them again under a future government led by him.

The former president who is also a Polonnaruwa District MP said the government did not listen to him on the issues confronting farmers. He made these remarks to the media after meeting with a group of farmers on ‘Sathyagraha’in Bakamoona, Elahera.

A farmer asked what he would do in case he was re-elected to office. Mr. Sirisena said he would not let down farmers.

He said he would train farmers for organic agriculture in measured steps.

“No country in the world has adopted 100 percent organic farming. Even in Australia, only 50 percent of agriculture is based on organic farming,” he said.